Stirrup leathers are the most common type of replacement for your standard leather stirrup covers. They are made from a variety of materials designed to fit around your horse’s hoof and provide a cushioning effect for the pressure of mounting and dismounting. These covers can also help prevent your horse from developing sores on his hooves from constant contact with the stirrup iron. They are designed to be worn over your existing stirrup covers to protect them from wear and tear. There are many different designs of stirrup leathers available on the market today. Each is made from different materials and has different features. It is important to choose the correct type for your horse’s needs to ensure maximum safety and comfort while riding. There are two main types of stirrup leathers: the full and half. Full stirrup leathers cover the entire hoof, while half stirrup leathers cover only the hoof’s heel and sensitive areas around the coronet (the area above the hoof).

Full Stirrup Leathers

Full stirrup leathers are designed to cover the entire hoof. They are usually made from a thick, heavy-duty material that is designed to protect the hoof from the pressure of the stirrup iron and provide a cushioning effect for the pressure of mounting and dismounting. Full stirrup leathers are often made from leather or synthetic materials, such as rubber or plastic. Full stirrup leathers are best for riders who want the most protection and support when mounting and dismounting. Full stirrup leathers are also ideal for children who are just starting to learn how to ride or for riders who ride in heavy-duty competition. Full stirrup leathers are also good for riders who want to use their stirrups for other purposes, such as for mounting or dismounting from the side of the horse. Full stirrup leathers are not recommended for beginners, as they can be difficult to remove when mounting and dismounting from the side of the horse.

Half Stirrup Leathers

Half stirrup leathers are designed to cover the hoof’s heel and sensitive areas around the coronet. They are usually made from a thinner, lighter-duty material than full stirrup leathers, which makes them ideal for beginners and riders who want to use their stirrups for other purposes, such as for mounting or dismounting from the side of the horse. Half stirrup leathers are best for riders who want to use their stirrups while riding but do not require the same amount of protection as full stirrup leathers. For example, if you only ride in a hackney or pleasure class, you may not need the same amount of protection as a rider who rides in a heavy-duty competition class. Half stirrup leathers are usually made from synthetic materials, such as rubber or plastic. They are also available in leather designs that are less thick than full stirrup leathers.

Choosing the Right Strap

Stirrup leathers are available in a variety of designs, materials and styles. When choosing a stirrup leather, you will want to consider the size of your horse, the type of riding you do, the type of terrain you ride on and the type of surface you ride on. There are many different types of stirrup leathers available on the market today. Each is made from different materials and has different features. It is important to choose the correct type for your horse’s needs to ensure maximum safety and comfort while riding.

Conclusion

Stirrup leathers are a protective and comfortable option for your horse’s hooves. They are a great way to protect your horse’s hooves from the pressure of the stirrup iron and prevent sores. There are many different types of stirrup leathers available on the market today. Each is made from different materials and has different features. It is important to choose the correct type for your horse’s needs to ensure maximum safety and comfort while riding.

Frequently Asked Question

Horse Tack is a piece of equipment that is fitted to a horse or pony, to assist with the riding of a horse or pony.  The term tacking up is used to describe the process of placing the equipment on the horse or pony. Often Horse Tack is kept in a "Tack Room". A room normally in a stable block, where the horse riding equipment is stored ready for use.

 

 

The 5 most important parts of a horse's tack are 
  1. The Saddle
  2. The Girth
  3. The Saddle Pad
  4. The Bridle
  5. The headcollar
If you are leading your horse in from the field or tying it up outside the stable block, the first piece of tack that goes on a horse is the head collar or halter. Once your horse is secure, you can then swap the headcollar for the bridle and once the bridle is in place, you can then proceed with the saddle pad, saddle and finally the girth to secure the saddle and saddle pad in place.
This is purely a tradition thing. Historically soldiers would mount a horse from the left, to stop their swords from hitting the horse. As a result, horses were tacked up on the left and it is a tradition that has just stuck. However, there is no reason why you can tack up on the right and also mount your horse on the right-hand side. In fact it is good practice to get your horse used to both sides.