The riding stirrup, as we know it
today, was born, lives and returns to a position flat against
the horse’s side. There is no useful purpose for the
stirrup to lie in this position. Not only is it inconvenient
to retrieve your iron, it can be dangerous. The loss of
a stirrup can mean the loss of control and result in a poor
riding performance or even contribute to an accident or
a fall. The lost stirrup in this non-functional flat position
is often the primary cause of being hung up and dragged.
As the stirrup folds back against the horse’s side
it closes against the rider’s foot and catches the
falling rider. This ‘closing door’ effect is
unnecessary and can be dangerous.
Every rider at every riding level wants their stirrup back,
and they want their stirrup back quickly. The 6 year old
whose once loveable pony is now running away with them,
just wants some return of security so that they can stop
this
dangerous situation. Unfortunately, without their stirrups
they can get in some real trouble. Riders of Olympic level
abilities will all admit that the loss of a stirrup puts
them out of balance, especially as they are jumping. Not
being able to remain in the proper position puts a rider
at a disadvantage. If the MDC Intelligent Stirrups®
can save one rider from taking a fall or help leave one
pole up in an intense competition during the entire time
that the rider uses them, then they are worth the price.
A New Beginning in Stirrups
Imagine for a minute that you can design a riding stirrup
for the modern rider. What qualities would you look for?
1. Comfort: Releases pressure on ankles, knees and hips.
2. Easily Retrievable: Allowing you to ride at an optimal
level.
3. Safety: Reduction of the iron’s natural desire
to grab the foot.
4. Adjustable angles to compliment each side of your body.
5. Preset angles that tend to stay in place should you lose
your irons.
6.
The reduction or elimination of leg burns.
7. Easy access to the offside iron when mounting.
8. Ergonomic Design that works With Your Body and not against
it.
9. Available in either a traditional solid foot plate or hinged
design.
This describes MDC Intelligent Stirrups.
Details
The MDC Intelligent Stirrups® will perform at their best
when partnered with a new pair of Jeffries leathers. Old leathers
have a slight turn to them and this will affect the accuracy
of the 45 degree and 90 degree settings.
45 degrees
Once the rider presets the stirrups at 45 degrees, instantly
they notice that the leather is applying half the pressure
across their shin, compared to a normal stirrup. This reduction
in leather pressure reduces leg burns, but still gives the
rider who relies on this pressure the feeling that they desire.
Should the rider lose their iron, the MDC Intelligent Stirrups®
will tend to leave a clear opening making the stirrup easily
retrievable. This increase in stirrup retrieval puts the rider
back in control and allows them to proceed and compete at
their highest possible efficiency. 45 degrees seems to be
the preferable preset angle for Show Jumpers and Event Riders.
90 degrees
Presetting the irons at 90 degrees results in no leather pressure
across the shin and leaves the iron completely open for retrieval.
At 90 degrees, the MDC Intelligent Stirrups® are performing
at their maximum level: no leather burns, maximum retrieval
and the greatest safety, as the stirrup tends to remain open
allowing the dislodged rider to clear the stirrup safely and
easily. 90 degrees seems to be the preferable preset for Dressage,
Endurance as well as general flat riding applications.
Traditional Angle
Of course, the MDC Intelligent Stirrups® can be set at
the traditional angle. This allows you to easily run up your
irons.
