The Long and Short of Stirrup Bars

There are lots of different ideas about stirrup bars - which are the bars on the saddle from which the stirrup leathers are attached. Master Saddler and Master Saddle Fitter Kay Hastilow explains more ...

For many years, the most common type of bars in use were the ones with a ‘thumb bit’ at the end (pictured), which could be ‘closed’ or ‘up’, or left down so that they continued a straight line beyond the main body of the bar. Opinions were many and varied as to which was correct, so let me run through the options.

Originally, the thumb bit was designed to be ‘closed’ or ‘up’. This was in the days when the bar laid across the leather of the flap, which had no recess for the bar and leather to sit in. The bulk of the leather and buckle could be felt through the skirts of the saddle. It was expected that the bars would be regularly cleaned and oiled, so that the thumb bit would drop down and release the leather in the case of a fall. Then came the recess for the bar, which greatly improved the comfort for the rider, but not necessarily the horse, especially as the manufacturers often turned the bars in so that there was even less bulk under the rider’s leg. Few people knew of the importance of the joint of the thumb bit to the bar being regularly cleaned and oiled, so this was rarely undertaken. Unfortunately, this usually meant that the thumb bit, usually left down put excessive pressure to a small area of the horse’s back. Small sore areas would eventually end up as white patches, and these were commonly seen when saddle fitting in days past. 

Happily, our manufacturers, led by our knowledgeable and growing army of SMS qualified saddle fitters, now turn the bars out, so that the pressure is largely removed from the horse’s sides. However, they are still recessed and this necessitates the thumb bits being down for safety, as the stirrup leather is fractionally slower to slide off in the event of a fall. Just occasionally, the bar might be turned out too much and the leather will keep coming off whilst you are riding- a very unpleasant experience. This can be corrected by a bench saddler (a craft saddler who makes and repairs saddlery). 

Often now, you will see hook bars used instead. To my mind, these are a great improvement on the bars with the thumb bit. The leathers come off easily if the rider falls, but the shape holds the leather in place whilst riding and jumping. The ends of the hooks on some designs are very slightly turned out, and, although the rider is not affected by this, there is little chance of this end causing any discomfort to the horse.

Do bear in mind that the bulk of the stirrup leather is now probably the main pressure point against the horse’s sides, so whilst choosing quality and safety in your leathers, please avoid very thick leathers purely for the horse’s comfort.

Find out more about this and much more from Kay Hastilow’s series of expert videos on

http://www.khsaddlery.co.uk/educational.html

D's on Saddles De-Mystified

Most modern saddles will come with two D’s each side at the front of the saddle. Why two? What is the difference? What should they be used for? Master Saddler and Master Saddler Fitter Kay Hastilow explains ...

The topmost D is what saddlers call a drop fall staple. This D is attached by a strong bifurcated nail which goes right through the tree of the saddle, opening out both ways on the underside of the tree. The lower D is held on with a piece of leather doubled around it, which is then stapled to the tree lower down. 

Please remember that the position of both D’s is relative to the shape of tree, flap and panel. They will be higher on a tree with short tree points, lower on a deep tree with long points. Therefore, we don’t use measurements between D’s as any form of width assessment. It could be totally different with one tree /saddle type to another. 

So, why do we need two D’s each side? Which should be used for what? The first and primary use is to attach some form of breastplate to help prevent the saddle from moving back. IT IS ESSENTIAL that such breastplates are attached to the drop fall staple, the higher one that goes right through the tree. If there is any pull at all on this, the drop fall should hold it, whereas the D on a leather wrap, which is stapled to the tree, is likely to pull out at the first hint of pressure. These latter types were originally used for attaching flasks and wire cutters whilst out hunting but, of course, most people wouldn’t have such a use for them these days. However, many carry front mounted saddle bags, spare lead ropes, hand holds and other gadgets and these D’s are ideal for this job. 

 

A word of warning. If you really need the breastplate to hold your saddle in place you would be well advised to also use added restraints in the form of cord loops, which slide onto the stirrup bar in front of the stirrup leather. The loop should line up with the drop fall staple in length, the breastplate fixing straps attached to both D and loop.  This will mean that whatever force is put onto the saddle, the straps should hold. I have seen the drop fall staples on their own pull out when a very fit, lean horse was going up a steep hill. Very unpleasant for the rider. Not very nice for the horse either!

Some saddles will have D’s at the back, behind the flap and usually on the off side. These were for sandwich cases but are nowadays used for saddle bags and other bits and bobs. Not all saddles will have them, and most that do have them on the off side only although you will occasionally see 2 on each side. These were probably put on at the client’s request at the time of making, or added for a specific use at a later date. These D’s are stapled to the tree with a wrap of leather and are therefore not very strong. 

I am enjoying writing these posts and like reading your responses. Do any of you have specific queries, or want something explained? Please let me know and, if possible I will endeavour to write a post on that topic.

Find out more information on all things Saddle Fitting from Kay Hastilow’s series of expert videos available onhttp://www.khsaddlery.co.uk/educational.html and join in the conversation on facebook