Stirrup Irons
The Changing World of Saddlery
In the past saddles were handcrafted out of the finest materials and decorated with great flair. The leather was tanned, dyed, rubbed and polished until it gleamed. The new world of saddlery is less about aesthetics and more about functionality.
The saddle has been around since the dawn of the Iron Age when man finally began to realize that any extended period of time in the saddle was too uncomfortable to bear without some aid. Ironically prior to around 700 BCE man fought battles bareback. Imagine the challenge of the great ancient armies charging into one another with weapons and no leverage. Once invented the saddle has been an invaluable tool for the comfort of horseback riders.
As the saddle evolved over time they became more and more decorative and elaborate and more and more costly. As it became apparent that a good saddle was essential to successful riding and a healthy horse everyone adopted their use. The addition of the stirrup made all the difference as anyone who has ever ridden bareback can attest to. It is quite a challenge to ride without the aided balance that comes from having stirrups.
The main material used for saddlery for centuries was predominantly leather. These leather saddles were as simple as possible for the poor or working class or as elaborate as your wealth would allow. Saddles became another way to advertise your social status. The same way a shiny new German sports car would initiate envy in your neighbors if you brought one home today. Just like a man is often judged by his clothing, a horse’s esteem in the eyes of others can be increased with good packaging. Saddles through out history were often decorated in real gold and silver and covered in jewels for royalty. The working man has always been able to procure a simple saddle for his horse and just has to accept the fact that the cost must be borne while taking some comfort in knowing that at least it is the most costly item on your tack list.
Currently saddles can be made out of synthetic material that is so amazingly lightweight it is almost impossible to resist. This material makes it so much easier especially for female riders and children who may lack the upper body strength to drag a heavy leather saddle around and heave it over their heads onto the back of the horse. If you have never seen or used on of these saddles before when you go to pick it up you may wind up in the dirt on your backside. Sauntering up to it and giving it the good heave ho needed to hoist a heavy saddle you could easily overcompensate and lose your balance. At which point of course you will swear that a horse can laugh!
About the Author
Annaghmore Saddlery was established in 1981 and has been providing an extensive array of equine products to horse and pony owners for over 25 years. They are members of The Society of Master Saddlers (UK) and are the leading stockist of fine saddlery and country wear in Northern Ireland. For more information, visit http://www.WalkOnTrotOn.com.
MERRY CHRISTMAS! WATCH TIL END! AWESOME PRESENTS!
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Flexi Safety Stirrup Irons Shock Absorb Quality Black Treads 5″ $39.19 |
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NWT Weaver English Stirrup Irons, 4 1/4 Step $10.00 |
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Fillis Stainless Steel Stirrup Irons – Sise 4 1/4 $39.99 |
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Breakaway English stirrups for AP Hunt Jump Dressage Saddle 4 3/4″ Irons safety $24.95 |
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Stainless Steel Fillis Stirrup Irons…4-1/4″…Black Pads…NEW!!! $36.00 |
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Stainless Steel Fillis Stirrup Irons…4-1-2″…Black Pads…NEW!!! $36.00 |
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Jointed Stirrup Irons 4.75 $30.00 |
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Herm Sprenger 4-Way Stirrup Irons $85.00 |
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Very Old Matching pair of Ladies Iron Saddle Stirrups $125.00 |
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Old Handmade Primitive Very Heavy Iron Saddle Stirrups $65.00 |
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English Hunt BLACK Show Stirrup Irons Equitation 4.75″ $32.55 |
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Pair Equiroyal English Stirrup Iron Replacement Stirrup Pads 4 1/4″ $5.95 |
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Peacock Stirrup Irons $9.99 |
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Shock Absorb Floral Design Flex English Show Fillis Safety Stirrup Irons Jointed $69.99 |
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Antique Single Hand Forged Oxbow Type Iron STIRRUP Rare $85.00 |
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Antique Hand Forged Single Iron Stirrup Weird Style $45.00 |
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Rawhide covered Iron Oxbow Stirrups for Western Barrel Saddle Cowboy Tack Decor $35.00 |
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Peacock Stirrup Irons Safety Fillis Silver Choose White or Black Treads 4 1/2″ $29.99 |
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Vintage Cast Iron Stirrup Antique Old Western Horse Bits Bridles Metal 6933 $289.95 |
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New Childs Compositi Safety STIRRUP IRON CAGES. Black. $26.58 |
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Iron Tavern Puzzle – Satan’s Stirrup – Tucker-Jones House, Inc. $12.99 |
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5″ Flexi Safety Stirrup Irons Black Treads Horse Wear Shock Absorb Quality $39.19 |
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5″ Stainless Steel Fillis Stirrup Irons with Rubber Pads $15.00 |
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PetalAB Stirrup Irons Size 5″ $1.25 |
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A.O.C. Leather Stirrup Pads For Australian Saddle Irons..Brown..NEW!!! $9.00 |
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Pair Old Leather Wrapped Iron Horse Saddle Stirrups $18.88 |
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St.Steel Fillis Stirrup Irons for English Saddles 4.75″ $18.95 |
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4″ Stainless Steel Peacock Safety Stirrup Irons $34.50 |
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4.75″ Stainless Steel Peacock Safety Stirrup Irons $34.50 |
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4.5″ Stainless Steel Peacock Safety Stirrup Irons $34.50 |
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KORSTEEL PEACOCK STIRRUP IRONS- 3.5″ through 4.75″ $31.20 |
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KORSTEEL PEACOCK FILLIS KNIFE EDGE STIRRUP IRONS 3.5″ $41.92 |
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KORSTEEL PEACOCK FILLIS KNIFE EDGE STIRRUP IRONS 4.25″ $41.92 |
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KORSTEEL PEACOCK FILLIS KNIFE EDGE STIRRUP IRONS 4″ $41.92 |
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KORSTEEL PEACOCK FILLIS KNIFE EDGE STIRRUP IRONS 4.75″ $41.92 |
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Stirrup – 24W x 16H – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
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Door Knockers Black Cast Iron, Door Knocker Stirrup Iron Black 9 1/2H x 4 1/2W $69.00 Door Knocker Stirrup Iron Black 9 1/2H x 4 1/2W… |
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Cavalière – 24H x 16W – Peel and Stick Wall Decal by Wallmonkeys $33.99 WallMonkeys wall graphics are printed on the highest quality re-positionable, self-adhesive fabric paper. Each order is printed in-house and on-demand. WallMonkeys uses premium materials & state-of-the-art production technologies. Our white fabric material is superior to vinyl decals. You can literally see and feel the difference. Our wall graphics apply in minutes and won’t damage your paint or l… |
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Klein CN1907ARL Tree Climbers with 2-3/4-Inch Gaffs-Complete Set $255.00 Tree Climbers with 2-3/4″ Gaffs Complete Set have 8″ x 8″ (203 x 203 mm) cushioned, high-grade leather climber pads for maximum comfort with neoprene-impregnated nylon climber straps for long-lasting life. They also feature secure sleeve and leg iron connection and two slotted hex-head bolts with lock washers and barrel-type nuts join the steel sleeve and leg iron together. The steel split ring s… |
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Hot Leathers Iron Cross Pant Bungee Boot Stirrups $13.50 Iron Cross Biker Pant Bungees / Clips… |
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The Iron Stirrup (Linford Western) … |
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ORIGINAL PATENT APPLICATION NUMBER 22,555 FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN STIRRUP IRONS (RICHMOND). … |
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ORIGINAL PATENT APPLICATION NUMBER 23,985 FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN STIRRUP IRONS (FARNBOROUGH). … |
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IRH Equi-Lite DFS Helmet $44.00 Sporty-Lightweight and Economically priced is the number one selling schooling helmet. The Dial Fit System allows customer fit with just the turn of the dial. Extreme Lightweight and highly ventilated, a total of 9 venting ports that allows maximum air circulation keeping you cool and comfortable. A Cool 10 Ounces. ASTM F1163.04a… |
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Tough-1 Kids Nylon Slip-On Stirrup Set (Leather Covered Stirrups) – Brown – Kids $24.00 From the original Tough-1. Designed to keep the child and stirrup set securely centered in the saddle. Slip the stirrups over the horn of the saddle, adjust the stirrup lengths and children are ready to ride. Saves time switching from an adult saddle to a child’s saddle or adjusting the stirrups – plus your horse is wearing a saddle that fits. Durable nylon straps…. |