How to Replace Stirrup Leathers on a Western Saddle

With proper care, use and storage, most Western saddles are built to last a lifetime. However, those parts of it under constant duress tend to wear, stretch and even tear. One of the most stressed parts of your saddle is the stirrup leather. This is a piece of leather with a series of holes punched in it for adjustments of length that connects the stirrup to the saddle. With everyday use, you likely will find yourself having to replace these once in awhile.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather strip, about 2 to 3 inches wide
  • Leather hole punch
  • Buckle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Determine the length of leather stripping needed by comparing it to the old stirrup leather off your saddle. This is the easiest way because you should be comfortable with the length from previous use.

    • 2

      Use your chosen buckle as a guide and punch the desired holes in the leather stripping. This will either be a line of single holes down the center of the strip or a line of double holes. Double holes typically are spaced about 1 inch apart.

    • 3

      Lift the jockey seat on your saddle to reveal the saddle's bars. Attached to this are the stirrup bars.

    • 4

      Thread your new stirrup leather around the stirrup bar, then pull so the ends are even.

    • 5

      Attach the stirrup by threading one end through the top of the stirrup, pulling up to the desired length and fastening the buckle.

    • 6

      Secure with a stirrup hobble.