How to Ride With Stirrups

Stirrups are foot holsters connected to the saddle that lay on both sides of the horse. They are used for mounting,and dismounting, as well as balance when riding your horse. By creating a higher center of gravity, a rider can stand up off of the horse using shorter stirrups for equestrian style jumping as well as to gain speed. A longer stirrup is used to gain stability and is safer for beginning riders.

Instructions

    • 1

      Mount your horse using the stirrups to assist you. Stand on the left side of your horse and insert your left foot into the left stirrup. Grab onto the saddle and pull yourself onto your horse using the stirrup as leverage. Place your right leg over the horse and sit on the saddle. Insert your right foot into the right stirrup.

    • 2

      Use a shorter stirrup for jumping over obstacles and or speed purposes. Place your feet in the stirrups so the balls of your feet lie on the stirrup strap. This will let you place your weight on the stirrups to lift yourself off of the saddle to a standing position.

    • 3

      Use a longer stirrup for beginner riders. Place your feet completely in the stirrup so the strap lies in the middle of your foot. The longer stirrup allows you to use your legs as stability as most of your weight is seated on the saddle.

    • 4

      Dismount from the horse using the stirrups to guide you down. Remove your right foot from the right stirrup. Bring your right foot behind you and step down to the ground. Remove your left foot from the left stirrup once you've stepped on the ground.