Can you adjust your stirrups whilst being on a horse?

Question

Can you adjust your stirrups whilst being on a horse?

Answer 1

Kmnmiamisax's answer regarding English tack  is totally correct.  I don't ride Western so I don't know the correct way to adjust stirrups when riding Western.  I would only add one thing to Kmnmiamisax's answer.  One thing I do before I get on is to adjust the stirrup so that its length is equal to the length of my arm.  One of my instructors advised me to do that since when you get on your stirrups will be close to the right length..  But, it never works perfectly. You still have to adjust them once you are on the horse. And remember the correct stirrup length differs depending on what type of riding you are doing.  I always put the stirrup leathers up two holes when I go from riding flat to jumping.

I think Newmarket's answer was also good except that I have always been advised to take my feet out of the stirrups and move them forward while adjusting them. Just be careful.  As

Kmnmiamisax stresses make sure that you have enough contact with the horse's mouth so that he doesn't start walking (or running) away while you are still trying to fix the stirrups.  The horse isn't necessarily being bad,  Sometimes they just get bored standing around and are ready to start working before you are.  Remember, you are boss.

Answer 2

yes you could. But it would be pretty difficult riding in a western saddle  and it would just be easier to jump off and adjust them and get back on.

Answer 3

yes!just take out ur foot hold on to the rains reach down for the stirrups and adjust them!

Answer 4

yes...  it's easier if you ride english, but it's possible if you ride western.  if you ride english, move your leg forward, pull the stirrup down so the buckle is out from under the flap, then move the buckle up or down then pull the stirrup back up so that the buckle is under the flap, then put your leg back down.  Make sure that you have your reins tight... you don't want your horse to go running away when you have one leg forward.

Answer 5

yes with practice. i exercise racehorses so i adjust them whilst im trotting

Answer 6

The other answerer is correct.  The only other thing that I would add is that you should keep your foot in the stirrups at all times - if the horse spooks whilst you are trying to adjust your stirrups, or girth, you  need to be able to regain control as quickly as possible.

Answer 7

Yes. just make sure your ot doing it by yourself. if the horse spooks there should be someone there if you fall off because usually i take my foot out of the stirup. it's easier!

  =]

  good luck