Sprenger Stirrups

According to Sprenger, a tread width of 120 mm is standard for most riders, with 110 mm available for narrower feet and 130 mm for wide riding boots. The manufacturer offers Fillis, System 4 and Bow Balance in these three sizes. The decisive factor is the riding boot you ride in, not just your shoe size: the wider the foot in the boot, the wider the tread should be.

The size on the stirrups is usually given in centimetres, that is 11, 12 or 13 cm. It is best to try the stirrup with your own riding boot so that your foot is neither squeezed nor has too much sideways play.

The Fillis is the classic, rigid stainless-steel stirrup with a flat tread and replaceable rubber insert. The System 4 has side joints that give way in four directions. According to Sprenger, they absorb shocks, relieve tendons, ligaments and joints and make it easier for the foot to come free in the event of a fall.

The Bow Balance combines this joint with a curved shape, an extra-wide tread and two rubber layers with different degrees of hardness. Sprenger considers it particularly suitable for riders with knee problems. The Aero is a safety stirrup with an arm that moves 180 degrees to release the foot in an emergency and a tread that is angled by 5 degrees.

Pay attention to the embossing: Bow Balance stirrups are marked with L for left and R for right so that they hang on the saddle the right way round. So hang the stirrup marked with L on the left side of the saddle and the one marked with R on the right. This also applies to the Ingrid Klimke edition.

According to Sprenger, the curved shape and the weight distribution ensure that the stirrup is easy to pick up again and that your leg lies well against the horse. If you have specific questions about fitting, the manufacturer’s instructions for use will help, or you can bring your saddle and stirrups to our shop in Tangstedt.

Yes, Sprenger designs the inserts as spare parts and they can be replaced when the rubber is worn. This keeps the grip while avoiding the need to buy new stirrups. Depending on the model, there are inserts made of rubber, stainless steel or a grip version, and there are dedicated inserts for the System 4.

It is important that the insert matches the tread width of the stirrup, that is 11, 12 or 13 cm. At Ahrens Reitsport you will find Sprenger inserts in black and white for these widths, also suitable for the System 4. According to the manufacturer, you clean the stirrup itself with a little water and mild washing-up liquid.