During the last decade a revolution of sorts has occurred in the design of English stirrups. Riders are no longer restricted to the rigid stainless steel “fillis” style of irons. Many of today’s English riders, especially those who ride over jumps, prefer flexible irons. Flex stirrups provide a certain sense of freedom and mobility in the saddle. They’re crafted so that the branch of the stirrup iron bends in response to pressure or movement from the rider’s foot. Anecdotally, flexible stirrups seem to alleviate some of the stress exerted on a rider’s knees and ankles, a plus for equestrians with chronically stiff or painful joints. Though traditionally shaped, flex stirrups feature a rubberized covering over the top of the bendable areas, giving them a sort of New Age appearance.
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