Winderen Stirrup Review

Winderen Stirrup Review

Value
10
Quality/Durability
10
Performance/Comfort
10
Appearance
9
9.8

As an equestrian, we all have our preferences when it comes to fit and security in the saddle.

Our little equestrian had been struggling for the past 6 months finding a pair of stirrups that were comfortable and secure. She would lose her stirrups at least every other ride, and was struggling with balance over fences. This in turn was affecting her confidence in the saddle, and the loss of stirrups forced her to stop in the middle of flat work and adjust her feet. She went over MANY fences without one or both feet in the stirrups.

Winderen Stirrup Review

When I first opened the gorgeous wooden storage box the little equestrian was slightly concerned they would be too big and bulky for her. She is in a size 6 womens tall boot, and has a shorter leg so I was concerned they would be too much. The Winderen stirrups have a bigger “frame” made out of aluminum, and a composite blend for the footbed and the upper part of the iron. The overall frame of the stirrup is MUCH bigger than a standard iron. (We did have to buy bigger stirrup covers to accommodate the bigger framed irons.)

Winderen Stirrup Review

We had several other youth riders that have competed with the Winderen Stirrups, as well as an adult rider and the feedback is the same for all 4 riders. Although the irons LOOK bigger (all of the kids were a little thrown off by the design at first), they FEEL amazing. Solid footbed, better balance, lighter feel, steadier leg position and the adult rider was amazed at the shock absorption she felt lighter in her leg and feet going over fences. The little equestrian has had almost 40 rides, flatwork and over fences and has not lost a stirrup ONCE. I am still blown away at the difference it has made for her seat, stability, balance and confidence mentally.

Winderen Stirrup Review

Once I pulled them out of the box, I was VERY impressed with the weight. These stirrups only weigh 1.24 pounds per stirrup! The composite foot bed is thick and adjustable to be flat or have a 5 degree tilt based on the rider preference. The footbed is really “grippy” and I was pleased to learn that if the foot grips ever get abraised and worn down there is the option to send them back to Winderen and they will replace the foot bed! These stirrups have also proven to be extremely durable. Multiple riders have had over 100 rides in them and they still look brand new after a quick wipe down!

Winderen Stirrup Review

 

The Winderen stirrups are advertised to be knee relief stirrups. But at the age of the young equestrian, existing knee pain is not an issue, but the shock absorbing aspect of this stirrup will save her knees as she progresses and grows in and out of the saddle!

Winderen Stirrup Review

We selected the silver shine color coating on the stirrups, as this is approved by our local show circuit for the Hunter / Jumper show ring. The little equestrian was REALLY excited about all of the color options she had to choose from to match her existing tack. If she could, she would have picked a variety of colors to match her bold personality!

Winderen Stirrup Review

My overall opinion for the Winderen Stirrups is that they have been an ABSOLUTE game changer. All of the riders that have tested these beam with excitement when they see them on the saddle, the little equestrian will refuse to use any other stirrup and there are VERY noticeable results using the Winderen stirrups versus a standard iron.

Winderen Stirrup Review