Is it ideal to have stirrup leathers that match my saddle?

Question

Here is some info. for easier answering:

- I am a hunter jumper

- ride for a half and hour once a week

-I'm currently working on lines and singles. (they are cross poles)

I'm looking at used saddles and found the right saddle. I found a saddle and I'm going to test ride it. When I do i will look at the brand and stuff when I show my instructor it. I know how to measure stirrups. Can someone help me with stirrup leathers? Like should they match my saddle down to the stitching? Color? How should I measure the size? I just need some help so when I ask the clerk at a tack store I don't end up buying the most expensive ones. I have really long legs. So, what should I look for right away? Any recommendations for types of stirrups? I know it's a lot, it is confusing to ask. I'll really appreciate it thanks!!!:)

Answer 1

Take your saddle to the tack shop to compare the color of stirrup leather to the leather of your saddle.  If the leathers have stitching, it's not that important that it be the exact color on your saddle... but the color of the leather should match each other... if your saddle is brown, don't get black leathers!  Remember that you'll want to oil your leathers when you get them and that the oil will generally make the leather darker!  If there's a slight color variation, it's not a big deal... just don't get tan or black leathers for your dark brown saddle.

To measure the length that your leathers should be, measure your inseam of your pants... then multiply it by two (because the leathers fold in half on your saddle).  When you buy leathers, the length that it says on the package means from buckle to the longest hole.  Remember that leathers will likely stretch over time (even if you get the pre-stretched ones or the ones with the nylon inside to prevent stretching)... that means don't get them too long or else you'll end up having to wrap the stirrups when you ride or drill new holes.  Since you say you have really long legs, you'll probably want leathers that are 56 or 58 inches or so.  I have short legs and have 52 inch leathers.  54-56 are about average.  58-60 is long.  Ask if you can put a pair on your saddle, then sit in your saddle to see if the length is about right for your legs.

As for brands, I can't really say that one is better than another.  My pair of no-name leathers work perfectly fine.  Some brands advertise that they use leathers from the same cut of hide so that both of the leathers will stretch the same amount so that you don't end up with one leather that's a lot longer than the other.  I don't think it's that big of a deal... especially if you're a beginner jumper doing cross rails.  Some leathers have half inch spaces between the holes and some have full inches... again, I don't think it makes that much of a difference.  You may want to get leathers that are the same brand as your saddle because the color of the leather will likely be the same... but you don't have to.  When it comes to leathers, the most important thing is that they're the right length for your legs and that they're the same basic color as your saddle.

Do ask the store clerk for help... everyone at the tack shops are usually very nice.

Answer 2

I love when they say I am a hunter/jumper rider,,



Any way they should match if your riding in hunters and flat classes,

In Jumpers no one cares what color they are

Any good harness leather with a strong sticting is fine They should have them at the store you were buying your saddle

If not Look under DOVERS WED SITE

You will find what you need ,,