Dressage riding demands perfection, harmony, and subtle aids. To meet these requirements, choosing the right equipment is crucial. One often underestimated but immensely important piece of tack is the stirrup. In this article, we take a closer look at dressage stirrups, especially the jointed stirrups from SPRENGER, and how they differ from classic Fillis stirrups.
SPRENGER Stirrups: Innovation Meets Experience
SPRENGER has stood for the highest quality in equestrian sports for decades. The company combines craftsmanship with innovative technology—especially evident in SPRENGER stirrups. Thanks to intensive research and close collaboration with professional riders, products are created that are precisely tailored to the needs of riders.
Why Good Stirrups Are Essential for Dressage
Stirrups not only provide support but also influence the rider’s seat, balance, and leg position. In dressage, where fine-tuning and precision are key, poorly fitting or non-ergonomic stirrups can even be a hindrance.
Modern dressage stirrups absorb shocks and support a stable, quiet leg position. Jointed stirrups, in particular, set new standards by allowing the foot to move in a flexible, springy way.
SPRENGER Stirrups: Innovation Meets Experience
SPRENGER has stood for the highest quality in equestrian sports for decades. The company combines craftsmanship with innovative technology—especially evident in SPRENGER stirrups. Thanks to intensive research and close collaboration with professional riders, products are created that are precisely tailored to the needs of riders.
Bow Balance Stirrups: Relief for the Joints
A real highlight is the SPRENGER Bow Balance stirrup. It combines ergonomic design with maximum functionality. The curved shape makes it easier to pick up the stirrup and ensures optimal foot placement. The jointed design promotes a flexible yet stable leg position, as the high-quality SYSTEM 4 joints allow the stirrup to “bend” at the sides, so the desired low heel is no longer uncomfortable while riding.
The wide tread of the stirrup is also perceived as particularly comfortable, as it not only provides good grip but also distributes pressure over a larger area of the foot. Another advantage: The shock-absorbing effect, thanks to the SYSTEM 4 joints, noticeably relieves joints and ligaments. If you want to make long training sessions more comfortable, the SPRENGER Bow Balance stirrups are the perfect choice.
To ensure that as many riders as possible can enjoy the comfort of Bow Balance stirrups, we offer not only the standard tread width (12 cm) but also options for small feet (11 cm) and large feet (13 cm). For those seeking something exclusive for their dressage saddle: the Bow Balance stirrup is also available in rose gold and anthracite finishes in the standard size.
Jointed Stirrups for More Freedom of Movement in the Dressage Saddle
Jointed stirrups have become standard equipment for many show jumpers and leisure riders, as the difference is especially noticeable with short stirrups or knee problems. The flexible joints of SPRENGER jointed stirrups provide significant relief and are therefore very popular. But even in dressage, where a classic look is often preferred, jointed stirrups are gaining attention. They allow the foot a certain flexibility, which not only improves balance and supports the rider’s seat but also helps follow the horse’s movement by absorbing motion. The special feature of SPRENGER jointed stirrups is the thoughtful combination of flexibility and support. This promotes a steady, independent seat with correct leg position, positively impacting harmony and subtle aids.
FLEXCITE Stirrups: Comfort at Its Finest
In addition to the tried-and-tested Bow Balance stirrup, the SPRENGER FLEXCITE is another great model. It impresses with its elegant design and wide tread, which, in addition to non-slip rubber, also is availabe with a stainless steel grip insert as standard. The cleaner look makes the FLEXCITE stirrup especially popular among dressage riders.
Like the Bow Balance, this stirrup supports a stable, correct seat and relieves knee and ankle joints thanks to its innovative construction.
The FLEXCITE GRIP stirrup goes one step further. The additional non-slip tread ensures maximum grip, especially in wet weather or during long training sessions. At the same time, comfort remains at the usual high SPRENGER level. The FLEXCITE GRIP is ideal for dressage riders seeking the highest level of grip and slip resistance. Exclusively in our shop, you’ll also find the FLEXCITE Grip stirrup in a matte finish.
Prefer a Classic Look? The SPRENGER System 4 Stirrups
If you prefer to stick with the tried and true, the SYSTEM 4 stirrups are the right choice. They most closely resemble Fillis stirrups in appearance. Here, the tread is not extra wide, providing the usual stirrup feel. However, the stirrup pad can also be replaced, for example, with a stainless steel tread for more grip. The sides also feature joints that allow flexible foot movement and provide relief. We also offer three different tread widths here, ensuring optimal support for both small and large feet. The standard version (12 cm tread width) is also available with a 90° rotated stirrup leather eye, which positions the stirrup correctly without twisting the leather.
Which Stirrup Is Right for Me?
The choice of the right stirrup depends on your individual needs. Do you train a lot and seek maximum relief for your joints? Then jointed stirrups like the Bow Balance or FLEXCITE are ideal. Do you place particular value on safety? Jointed stirrups are also a good idea, as the joints release the foot more easily in the event of a fall, but in this case, safety stirrups like the SPRENGER Aero stirrup are the best choice.
In any case, you should pay attention to quality, ergonomics, and durability—all features you’ll find in SPRENGER stirrups. We use only high-quality materials and ensure particularly high breaking loads. Regular quality checks are standard for us. In addition, the treads of all stirrups are replaceable, so you only need to replace a part in case of wear, not the entire stirrup.
Dressage Stirrups with a System
Discover the difference a good stirrup can make—for you and your horse. Whether Bow Balance, FLEXCITE, or FLEXCITE GRIP—with SPRENGER stirrups, you’re at the forefront of comfort, safety, and ergonomics. They offer you the perfect support for refined riding at the highest level.
For more information and an overview of our entire range, visit our shop.
