Anyone use the aluminum crooked stirrups?

They supposedly help the knees and I could use all the help I can get!

Dpn't know about them, but I saw another Gizmo, that goes between the fenders and the stirrups, so they can pivot.
Grizz

oh, come on. Someone must use these things. Ropers?

My saddlemaker puts a twist in the leather on my stirrups. So I don't know about the device you mention. But I do like my stirrups squared up to my feet.

I think they are big in team roping circles.

Will frankly the jury is still out on the damn things in my opinion.
I have ridden them a lot and my name for them is 'stupid' stirrups.
In fact the last saddle that I rode that had them on I turned them around the other way so that they sloped in instead of out.
However there are guys that claim miracles with them so there you have it.

Here is what I would do though if you want to try them, and heck I would suggest that you do, but they want an arm and a leg for the damn things so why don't you cut a small wedge of wood that matches the angle of slope and duct tape the thing in the inside of your stirrup.
And then ride it for a few hours and see if it makes any difference. my bet is that it won't but who knows.
Then fork over the cash for a real set if it seems to help.

Yeah, I was thinking the same thing. Buy a cheapie pair of deep ropers and "wedge it."

I have been using some made by s.a. walls in mena ark and i really like them,especially the 2 inch cowhorse stirrups. They are easier to hold and your feet sit in a heels down position naturally. I have a big wide foot and these even have room for a pair of white's. I don't like the look of polished aluminum and i have been wondering how to tone that down. I put a pair of the 3 inch deep ropers in a pair of taps i made and i like them too. I don't think a horse will break them if he gets down on his side like happened with overshoe oxbows every time. Fred

Are you talking about the offset or slanted stirrups?

I looked on Walls web site and don't see anything about 2" cowhorse stirrups? Are you trying to confuse me?

Okay, now I see them in the "slide show". Don't see them on the description page. Thanks.

Will, Call S.A., I think the # is on the website. His website is kind of confusing but he has an 800 #. I have replaced all my stirrups with different models he has.

Fred

Fred,

Well, I ordered a pair today. I hope they work!

Thanks for the info.

I went back this morning and looked at some photos that I have of an old-time colt breaker from Nebraska. In most of them his boots are crooked in his flat bottom stirrups. Hint, hint.

So maybe these crooked stirrups will work.

Will,
What is it that you are trying to accomplish by using the crooked stirups?

quote:

Originally posted by SBT:
Will,
What is it that you are trying to accomplish by using the crooked stirups?

The stories I hear are that they are easier on the knees and ankles. Don't know whether that is true ... as seen by the above mixed opinions.

I don't ride much but even at that my left knee kills me for days afterward. So I figured it is worth a try to see if the crooked/slanted stirrups help.

I ride several times a week, and naturally ride with my toes out and heels down, it is the way I was taught to ride. If you are taught to ride with your upper legs,(like riding bareback) you keep the weight out of the stirrups and your knees don't hurt. Stirrups aren't meant to be a prop that you hold yourself up every time a horse turns. When I started riding cutters, they had me ride an old slow horse with my legs bent and no stirrups, I put almost no weight in the stirrups, so I can use my legs, press the spurs in the correct spot on the front, ribcage or to hold his butt in position. I also am sure of one thing, the first time you pack your saddle a hundred yards with those heavy steel stirrups banging you in the shins, you'll throw them as far as you can. Get a good pair of Ronnie Nettles flat bottom oak stirrups, 1.5 or 2 in. wide.

I always appreciate your advice, but the thing is I have no idea what I'm doing!!

I have never had lessons, don't know how to bump a horse to get it to relax, and the millions of other things that you guys know and that I will never know. I just get on and hope for the best. More like when Rooster fell off drunk: "We'll camp here."

The stirrups are aluminum and not too heavy. Haven't put them on the saddle yet as it is too damn cold for me to ride anything. I couldn't carry my saddle a hundred yards if my life depended on it!

Anyway, here they are.



Got them from here:

http://www.sawalls.net/

We'll see if they help.

No doubt they will make you turn your toes out and put your heels down. That may help, but try to shorten your stirrups a bit so your legs are bent and you can grip a bit with your upper legs, then you will have the weight off your knees. You'll be surprised as it will take you a while before your legs are strong enough, but the strength will come. It's so cold and nasty here, I have only worked my horses twice this month, and this is probably the first week I haven't been on a horse in 5 years or so. You are just down the road from me, so I know it isn't any different. I was serious about banging your shins with the stirrups, I got rid of all my aluminum stirrups just for that reason, it ranks right up there with running into the hitch on your truck for pain on the shins.

quote:

It's so cold and nasty here, I have only worked my horses twice this month, and this is probably the first week I haven't been on a horse in 5 years or so.

My daughter and son-in-law went on a trail ride last Sunday. They were crazy. And froze.

quote:

it ranks right up there with running into the hitch on your truck for pain on the shins.

Receiver hitches are why God made tall boots!

Okay, I haven't rode them much but I really like the crooked stirrups.

Me and my new mule and the crooked stirrups.

Will

Not to say I told you so or find fault, but you do need to shorten up. Take a look at the guy's leg with the tall boots, his knees are in front of the cinch. Now look at yours. 90% of people who don't ride a lot ride like this, then wonder why they get sore. When your stirrups are not short, it is like straddling a rail fence, weight is on the bones between your legs. Shorten them up and you are sitting on your butt like you would in a chair. I'll bet you also tip forward when a horse slams to a hard stop because your feet aren't in front of you. Most horsemen call it sitting on your pockets and your jean pockets should get holes worn in them from riding first. Again, I'm not trying to criticize, but what I'm telling you will make you ten times more comfortable and your balance will be better. Your knees get sore because they are too long, so every time the horse moves quick your knees are wrapped around the horse's body, trying to push your knees to the outside, lots of pressure on them-all your weight. You need to shorten them up about three inches or so, will feel odd at first, but it is the correct way to ride and for a good reason-comfort and balance.

You are probably correct but it will take some doing to change my ways!!

In the mule pic I can get a fist between me and the saddle seat. Seems to be the most comfortable but like you said it may be bad for my knees.

You are also correct as in the other pic I was sitting on another guy's horse and saddle and the (crooked) stirrups were at least 3" shorter. I felt like a race horse jockey!

I'll try the shorter stirrups some warm day, like yesterday, but it will take some doing to convince myself.

Thanks.