Attaching my Stirrups?

Question

So I just bought a new English saddle, and the stirrup leathers are MUCH different than the old ones I had. Instead of having a loop at the top to attach to the metal piece on the saddle, it's just a strip of leather that looks excatly like a belt would. I'm used to having a metal piece that fastens into the whole, but instead now I have a buckle that again, looks just like a belt. I'm not sure how to attach it to the saddle, just because when I try and slide it under the metal, it falls right out with nothing to hold it there.

Basically, it looks like this:

http://pictures.kyozou.com/pictures/_7/6...

(I'm sorry that you cant make out the stirrups all that well.)

Anyone ever used a saddle similiar?

Answer 1

The leathers you are describing sound to me like the Bates Leather Webbers...They don't have a buckle but a pin fastener similar to those on some bridles where you attach the bit to the cheekpieces.

I would soften the leather a little and play around with them until the hole loosens up a little.  Just be careful that you don't stretch it too much so the pin will come undone too easily.  

If they are the Bates...they are a little weird to figure out but the adjustment for lengthing or shortening ends up being down by the stirrup.  They are used to eliminate the bulk under the jockey flap and to be adjusted easier once mounted.  I have a pair..sitting in my "had to have but didn't like pile!!"  

Glad you figured it out..

Answer 2

Your photo link is not working.