Stirrups

The stirrup, which gave greater stability to a rider, has been described as one of the most significant inventions in the history of warfare, prior to gunpowder. As a tool allowing expanded use of horses in warfare, the stirrup is often called the third revolutionary step in equipment, after the chariot and the saddle. The basic tactics of mounted warfare were significantly altered by the stirrup. A rider supported by stirrups was less likely to fall off while fighting, and could deliver a blow with a weapon that more fully employed the weight and momentum of horse and rider.

The invention of the stirrup occurred relatively late in history, considering the fact that horses were domesticated in approximately 4500 BC, and the earliest forms of the saddle-a simple blanket with light padding and a surcingle appeared about 800 BC. The earliest foot support was a toe loop that held the big toe was used in India possibly as early as 500 BC. Later, a single stirrup was used as a mounting aid by a nomadic group known as the Sarmatians

There are two basic methods of using stirrups, a shorter stirrup to allow more mobility and a longer stirrup to allow greater control. The stirrup itself is similar, but the length of the stirrup leather is different. In each case, the stirrup length allows the rider to remain over the center of balance of the horse for the average speed characteristic of the discipline; the faster the horse travels, the more forward the rider must be positioned, and hence the shorter the stirrup.

Long stirrups allow the rider to ride with a long leg, with the knee relaxed and only slightly bent, allowing a deep and stable seat in the saddle. When riding a long stirrup, the rider has excellent control of the horse and the greatest ability to feel and communicate with the horse via the riding aids. This provides a sturdy base for activities where precision is required or when the rider is at risk of being unseated. For both reasons, long stirrups were thus the choice of heavy cavalry such as the medieval knights, who fought in close quarters and used weapons such as the lance and long, heavy swords. Historically, this type of stirrup adjustment and the riding seat it produced was called la brida. Today it is the choice for dressage and many types of western riders. Source

New & Used Stirrups

Laced Rawhide Oxbow Western Saddle Stirrups,Horse Tack Current Price: $ 16.85   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 5.45 (Flat) (more info)	Used horse tack leather stirrups roping, trail, saddle Current Price: $ 22.0   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 9.0 (Flat) (more info)
SHOWMAN - ENGRAVED SILVER WESTERN HORSE SADDLE STIRRUPS Current Price: $ 42.99   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 9.95 (Flat) (more info)	SHOWMAN - WESTERN BARREL ROPING HORSE SADDLE STIRRUPS L Current Price: $ 32.99   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 9.95 (Flat) (more info)
antique wooden horse stirrups mcclellan saddle? Current Price: $ 15.5   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 9.0 (Flat) (more info)	Western Aluminium Oxbow Saddle Stirrups,Cutting*NwT*NR* Current Price: $ 29.95   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 9.95 (Flat) (more info)
Finest Hand Made Fonseca 4 inch Rawhide Bell Stirrups Current Price: $ 95.99   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 9.95 (Flat) (more info)	Black Leather Bareback Saddle Pad w/Stirrups-No Resv Current Price: $ 69.95   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 16.950001 (Flat) (more info)
Peacock Iron English Stirrups 4 1/2 Rubber Pads Horse Current Price: $ 12.99   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 9.0 (Flat) (more info)	NEW SADDLE PAD, STIRRUPS, GIRTH, FINISHING BRUSH Current Price: $ 20.0   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 9.0 (Flat) (more info)
NEW English Stirrup Leathers Chestnut Brown Horse Tack Current Price: $ 17.45   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 6.95 (Flat) (more info)	PAIR OF VERY NICE HAND MADE LEATHER STIRRUPS Current Price: $ 29.0   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 8.0 (Flat) (more info)
Closed Ring Stirrup Leathers Suitable for Treeless Current Price: $ 104.01   Shipping: Seller is located in Great Britain Shipping Cost: $ 8.0 (Flat) (more info)	Almost new pr of leather & rawhide WIDE western stirrup Current Price: $ 20.5   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 6.0 (Flat) (more info)
OXBOW STIRRUPS CUSTOM BUILT BOB STIRRUPS Current Price: $ 9.99   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 11.0 (Flat) (more info)	English Stirrup Leathers Havana Medium Brown Horse Tack Current Price: $ 20.0   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 6.95 (Flat) (more info)
STUBBEN SIEGFRIED VSD ALL PURPOSE SADDLE W/ STIRRUPS Current Price: $ 57.0   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 34.990002 (Flat) (more info)	Youth's Nylon Webbed Buddy Stirrups Horse Tack Current Price: $ 15.99   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 34.990002 (Flat) (more info)
Western Pleasure Trail Saddle Easy Glide Stirrups Current Price: $ 34.95   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 12.5 (Flat) (more info)	Ortho Flex Comfort Pad Stirrups Trail Western Endurance Current Price: $ 34.99   Shipping: Seller is located in United States Shipping Cost: $ 9.8 (Calculated) (more info)