As equestrians, we compete, train and “relax” by taking part in one of the most dangerous sports in the world. As a parent and an equestrian myself, I am ALWAYS looking for the safest options in tack and protective gear for the little equestrian.
Ophena A Safety Stirrups caught my eye immediately. They look like a traditional stirrup iron, with a double safety release technology that I have never seen before.
The stirrup is available in two different colors, and due to regulations for our local circuit our little equestrian used the silver option. The black release piece is not as noticeable as I thought and it actually had people questioning what kind of stirrup brand they were. Everyone was quite intrigued by how amazing they looked! The black option was our favorite, you would never be able to tell it is a “safety stirrup” the coating is sleek and CLEAN over the past 12 months there is minimal wear and tear/dings and scratches!
The stirrup itself is light and provides a unique diamond grip on the wide foot bed. It gave the little equestrian and the adult rider that also helped with our review a LOT of stability and grip without damaging the soles of their tall boots.
The technology put into these stirrups allows for a complete 360 degree safety release at two independent points in the iron. The flexible piece that “pops” into one side of the stirrup is easy to place back in after a tumble, and the black color of the “safety piece” is very easy to find in the sand. I must say, I was nervous about losing the safety piece and not being able to find it during normal schooling and shows if it dislodged from the iron. It NEVER once came out while in the saddle for either rider and this stirrup was tested with almost 100 rides between the two riders!
I was slightly nervous about ordering these and the price point for these stirrups is on the high end at $359 USD. I was VERY pleased to see they offer a 60 day money back guarantee. It is a larger investment in stirrups, but it is a LOW risk one. If you test these stirrups and are not satisfied, they will offer a refund!
I was 100% confident these stirrups would provide a high level of safety and comfort for our little equestrian every time she swung that leg over her horse. She did have ONE fall while she was schooling in Florida in the spring. The safety piece popped easily, her foot slid right out of the stirrup, and she landed as gracefully as she could. The piece was easily located, installed back into the stirrup and she was able to finish her ride knowing she was protected.
The adult rider that helped with this review typically deals with consistent knee pain in other stirrups. She LOVES these, they do offer an integrated cushioning element that is obviously effective.
These stirrups have been used for events at the Kentucky Horse Park, dozens of schooling shows in the local circut, lessons all over the country for the little equestrian and they have been the BEST investment in her safety and comfort!
