Stirrup length

[Bradders]

Having an odd issue at the mo!

I was starting to get uncomfortable with the length of my stirrups so have dropped them a hole. They now feel fine at walk - very comfortable, but in trot, I feel as if I am reaching for them - I have not lost one as yet, but it is not comfortable.
I took them up a hole again after trotting today, then tried again - it was better but felt too short in walk

Any ideas?

[catkin]

Personally I'd put them at the shorter trot length until they start feeling too short at all paces, I always find that if I'm 'reaching' for my stirrups then I tip onto my fork and am unstable.

PS - of course the age-old tried and tested method is ride without stirrups then deal with the length:dev:

[Bradders]

PS - of course the age-old tried and tested method is ride without stirrups then deal with the length:dev:

That's exactly what my Y/O has just suggested!

[annep]

Personally-and I could be totally wrong here-I think that it really helps to have the stirrup bar further back-as in Heather's saddles-to get the lenghth of stirrup comfortable in all 3 paces.  I share Bradder's problem but find it less of an issue when the stirrup bar encourages the leg to be in better alignment (shouldr/hip/heel)......also I'm coming to the conclusion that it's part of the problem with my creeping knee!!!!

[Bradders]

Hi Anne - I have a Vogue so I don't have that excuse! I think part of it is still having some tension in my hips and lower back when I ride - think I am goign to stick with shorter out of the school and have periods of longer in the school

Just off up there now - last time I rode I could not get comfy with my stirrups at all, so will see how I get on today

[annep]

That souns like a good solution-although I also share your problem of 'not being comfortable with stirrup length' and agree that it's probably a lot to do with hips not being fully open-as it were!! I did have a Vogue although I ended up feeling as though it was a bit perched on my-very round-cob! so now ride in a treed saddle with Flair.  Now I like this saddle but due to the fact that the stirrup bar isn't as far back as the Vogue, am starting to feel as tho my leg is in the wrong position...!! Do i feel another treeless saddle coming  on???  
Good Luck!!

[Bradders]

I rode in different boots today - and that made a big difference

Comfy at the shorter length in both walk and trot - although I did lose a stirrup at trot at one point. Doh!
I get one thing sorted and everything else goes to pot!

I think it is because they have a thinner sole than my other boots. Who knows!