Rider and horse clearing a floral show jump fence in competitionRider and horse clearing a floral show jump fence in competition


The risk of being dragged if a foot becomes trapped in a stirrup on a fall is one of the few genuinely serious safety concerns in everyday riding. Safety stirrups reduce that risk by allowing the foot to release under pressure.

There are more designs available than ever, which makes choosing straightforward in principle but potentially confusing in practice. This guide cuts through the options.

Why Safety Stirrups Matter for Jumping

In flatwork, a foot that does not release cleanly from a stirrup on a dismount or fall is a nuisance. Jumping can be genuinely dangerous. The combination of height, forward speed, and rotational forces in a jumping fall means a foot trapped in a stirrup has more opportunity to hold the rider near a moving horse.

Safety stirrups address this by creating a release point. When the foot is pressed forward and sideways with significant force, the stirrup opens or deforms to let it go.

The Main Types of Safety Stirrup

Peacock stirrups

The traditional safety stirrup. A rubber ring on the outside of the iron replaces the solid metal side. Under pressure, the ring stretches and the foot releases. Simple, effective, inexpensive.

The rubber ring needs to be checked regularly and replaced when it becomes hard, cracked, or loses elasticity. A degraded rubber ring provides less reliable release. This is the most common maintenance failure with Peacock stirrups.

Flexible side stirrups

A more modern design where one or both sides of the stirrup are made from a flexible polymer rather than rigid metal. The flexibility allows the foot to release without a separate ring component.

These tend to be more robust and require less maintenance than Peacock stirrups. They come in a range of styles and weights.

Breakaway stirrups

Designed to release the whole tread under extreme pressure. Less common in everyday jumping but is used in some competition contexts. The release mechanism is more decisive than flexible side designs.

Offset eye stirrups

These are not strictly safety stirrups but are relevant to jumping riders. The offset eye tilts the stirrup iron outward, which encourages the heel down position and a more open knee angle. Used by many jumping riders for position as much as safety.

What to Look for When Choosing

Correct size. The foot must be able to pass through the stirrup with half an inch of clearance on each side. Too tight traps the foot. Too wide risks the foot passing all the way through.

Weight. Heavier stirrups hang more consistently, which many riders find helps the leg position. Lighter stirrups are less tiring over long days. The difference is real but manageable for most riders.

Tread grip. A rubber or textured tread is important, especially in wet conditions. Check that the tread stays in place and does not slide out of the iron.

Maintenance requirements. If you are using a stirrup with a rubber component, factor in the need to check and replace it regularly.

Testing the Fit

With your foot in the stirrup in a normal riding position, the widest part of the boot should sit on the tread with room on both sides. Stand in the stirrup: your weight should feel stable and centred, not tipping the iron sideways.

Get on and ride. Walk, trot, and take a small jump. The stirrup should stay under the foot without needing to be hunted for. If you are losing the stirrup or constantly adjusting your foot, the stirrup length or size needs revisiting.

Browse the Cavaletti Collection stirrup range. And if your jumping saddle is due for a look alongside your stirrup choice, the 14-day saddle trial is the most logical next step. Our fitter locator can find qualified help near you.