Instructions
Stand on the near, or left, side of the horse facing the saddle.
Place the tips of the fingers on your left hand on the stirrup bar. The stirrup bar, or metal bar that holds the stirrup leather, is underneath the saddle flap.
Lift the stirrup with your right hand and place it in your armpit.
If the stirrup doesn't quite reach your armpit, lengthen the stirrup leathers by unbuckling the buckle and moving it down one or two holes on the leather.
If there is slack in the stirrup leather, shorten it by unfastening the buckle and moving it up one or two holes on the leather.
Repeat the same process on the right, or far, side of the horse.
Before you mount, stand in front of the horse and look at the stirrups to make certain they are even. Be sure the horse is standing squarely and not resting a hind leg. This can make the horse's body lean to one side and the stirrups will appear to be uneven.
How to Adjust Stirrups to the Right Length Before Mounting a Horse
It is disconcerting to mount a horse and discover your stirrups are either way too long or way too short. If you are on a trail ride, you will be fumbling with the buckles on the stirrup leathers while the other riders head off down the trail. There is a way to determine stirrup length before you mount your horse, saving you lots of time and frustration.