Safety Stirrups

In horse riding, falling is an inherent risk — butfoot entrapment of the foot in the stirrup after a fall is a preventable danger. Safety safety stirrups are specifically designed to instantly release the rider's foot in the event of an unplanned separation from the horse, drastically reducing the risk of being dragged. OHLALA Sellerie offers a curated selection ofsafety stirrups for horse riding suited to all levels and all disciplines.

Foot entrapment: the risk that safety stirrups eliminate

What is foot entrapment and why is it dangerous?

foot entrapment occurs when, after a fall, the rider's foot remains caught in thestirrup while the horse continues to move. The rider is then dragged along the ground, at risk of serious or even fatal injury. This can happen at any level, on any terrain, and often occurs without any warning. A traditional stirrup has no mechanism to prevent this accident — which is precisely the role of safety stirrups.

Who should use safety stirrups?

While safety stirrups are essential for children and beginner riders, they are recommended for all levels of experience. Cross-country and show jumping riders — disciplines where falls are more frequent and more severe — rely on them extensively. Riders who work alone, those who ride young or unpredictable horses, or those returning to riding after a long break should make them a standard part of their kit. Safety is non-negotiable, regardless of experience level.

Safety systems: Peacock, magnetic and flexible

Detachable-arm stirrups: instant mechanical release

Among the most widely used systems on the market, stirrups with a detachable arm — such as those offered by Flex On, Samshield, Horsena or LeMieux — rely on a simple, reliable mechanical principle: one of the side arms is designed to detach instantly under the pressure of a fall, releasing the foot before the rider hits the ground. It resets to its normal position in seconds, with no tools required. These models often combine this safety system with an anatomical footbed and lightweight materials, making them versatile stirrups for both everyday training and competition.

Flexible stirrups: safety through structural give

Other manufacturers, such as Freejump, Sprenger or Veredus, have taken a different approach: controlled controlled deformation of the stirrup itself. In the event of a fall, the stirrup's structure deforms just enough to allow the foot to release naturally. Flexible stirrups often combine this principle with an ergonomic design — angled footbed, flexible arm — which reduces strain on the ankle and knee during long sessions, making them a favourite among riders who value both comfort and safety.

Choosing your safety stirrups by discipline

In leisure riding and for beginners, Horsena, entry-level flexible models are a perfect fit. For show jumping and cross-country, magnetic systems or certified hinged stirrups offer the responsiveness needed in high-speed falls. In dressage, anatomical models combining passive safety with correct foot positioning appeal to discerning riders. In all cases, make sure the stirrup width matches the rider's shoe size: 1 to 1.5 cm of clearance on each side of the foot is the basic rule.

OHLALA Sellerie: a curated selection of reliable, certified safety stirrups

OHLALA Sellerie selects its safety stirrups for horse riding according to strict criteria: reliability of the release system, quality of materials (stainless steel, aluminium, composite), footbed comfort, and certification for official competitions. Models suited to every rider profile — children, adult beginners, sport riders — are available so you can ride with complete confidence.