Several people told me to condition the fenders really well to soften them up and then stick a dowel rod through them.
I found that the thick handle of a shovel works best, and if I slide the stirrups in close together, they twist further.
Thank you to those readers who gave me this tip.I also found a metal device called Stirrup Straight and another called Cashel E-Z Knees that you can buy at Valley Vet that you attach between the fender and stirrup to turn the stirrups in the right position.
I'm also interested in Breakaway Stirrups, though I really love the stirrups that came with my saddle, and I might find a Western Mount Aid to be useful if I ever have to dismount on the trail. Right now I either have to get someone give me a leg up or I have to find a big boulder, because I'm leaving my step stool back at the trailer.
9 comments:
I was taught to use the handle of a broom. Guess it doesn't matter as long as it does the trick. It sure makes things much easier not to be fighting the lay of those darn things. LOL
BTW My scheduled post tonight is the answer to your questions about spooking. I'll catch the other set of questions later.
I am vertically challenged and bought one of those E-Z up stirrup things. It worked exactly as advertised. However, what I learned was, when the stirrup is low enough to reach it with your foot, your right leg has to swing that much higher to clear the horse's rump. Think Rockettes. In the end, I taught my horse to be a statue while I mounted and to be comfortable standing next to anything I might happen to use as perch.
I have always done that with my new saddles. But I would dunk the fenders in a bucket until there were no more bubbles, then I would put a broom just like you had. It works like a charm, and saves you all sorts of trouble fighting with your stirrups!!
what rising rainbow said.. we do that as SOP and it works great
fortunately my arabian's small enough i can mount him no prob... fortunately thoroughbred mare was taught the ol' "line up cue".. so she lines up pretty much anywhere so i can boost on since she's 16 hands
happy trails
gp
Well, I wish I had known this back in the day!
Oh, the stories of mounting difficulties make me glad my horse is just a little guy (14 hands)!
I got these for my saddle and love them, you can let them swivel or lock them in just where you want them. I keep my swiveling...
http://www.chicksaddlery.com/page/CDS/PROD/1087/SL4000
They are awesome....Bear and I both have them.
I bought something similar to those Western EZ mount stirrups, for Christmas, but mine is plastic. I never got the chance to try them out, though, because of my fall.
I'd liked the concept, because they are supposed to work like a ladder.
You place your right foot in the EZ-mount stirrup, then step up into the actual stirrup with your left foot, then just swing your right leg over. Pretty simple.
I have hip displaysia, so hiking my leg up high is really a struggle for me on my 15.3hh mare.
I always use a mounting stool, large rock, pole fence, or the green cable box near the round pen. Thankfully my mare stands rock still until I ask her to move.
With my left knee messed up, though, my Dr, a horseman also, discouraged me from mounting from the left side because of the weightbearing on my knee.
He would like to see me mount my horse from the right, which my horse doesn't like. When I tried to mount or dismount from the right, she side steps and get nervous.
My instructor says she can train Baby Doll to accept a right mount in two or three lessons. So, I think I'll take her up on that.
I'm missing my saddle, seeing a picture of yours here. lol!
I started using a 1x2 piece of wood in my stirrups as soon as my saddle arrived. I think I read that tip on a horse website.
I really love my endurance stirrups. They are so cushy and comfie, but I wonder if that cushiness helped contribute to me getting snagged in my stirrup.
It's funny that you posted that link about the break-a-way stirrups because I spent a few hours researching different styles of break away stirrups. Most of them just flip down to release your foot if you fall, but the ST break aways actually disconnect from the stirrups leathers, so I lean more towards those....which of course are more expensive. sigh.
Hubby says it is money well-spent so I don't end up snagged in the stirrups ever again.
I do have to agree with him. The pain and loss of time and abilities has been very difficult to bear. And when you're older, like me, losing a half a year or more to an injury is HUGE.
~Lisa
Genious! Why haven't I seen this blog before? =(
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