[MegNicsMom]

Do any of you know the difference between 1 inch stirrup leathers and 3/4 inch leathers-besides a quarter of an inch? Are the 3/4 primarily for kids (they come in adult lengths) or is it simply a rider preference? They would be used by a 13 year old on an Arabian non-jumping horse. Thanks for any help.

[JBandRio]

I'm a 5'5" adult and LOVE the 3/4" leathers. I had the 48" length (child's length) on my saddle for years. I still have that actually, but for some reason they are way too short for my new (treeless) saddle so I'm on the hunt for 3/4" 54" leathers.

The width really is rider preference. I went to the 3/4" probably 15 years ago. At first it felt wobbly, but now I HATE the feel of the 1" width, so it's 3/4" for me!

[JumpingBean]

I agree, rider preference. My own is for the 3/4" (someone gave me a really soft, lovely 54" pair) and I was instantly converted. I don't like lots of stuff under my leg -- a quarter inch of leather isn't THAT big a difference, but it sure feels like it to me.

[Dawn]

Rider preference. But remember, the wider the leather, the wider the buckle. I bought my first pair of leathers and they just happened to be 3/4" (child length too actually). I'll never use anything else. I have a pair of 1" leathers, and the buckle is so bulky under my leg that it actually leaves bruises.

[MegNicsMom]

Thank you all for your responses. I also heard from Courbette Saddlery today and the rep said that the difference is a quarter of an inch!! He was teasing but added that the 3/4 inch widths are primarily used by young riders and teens with a close contact saddle, but also said it was a rider preference. However he did recommend 1 inch widths for adults for safety, but he didn't elaborate as to why. I measured several stirrup leathers in our tack room today and the majority were 3/4 inch widths, (all belonging to preteens and teens) there was one 1 inch and one was a half inch. Seems we are all in agreement. I'm going with the 3/4 inch. I was just very curious if there was some major difference. (I have to order the leathers on-line and hate to do returns!) I really appreciate your help. Happy riding.

[Dawn]

That was a mismemory on my part. The ones that I have (and adore) are 1/2". I also have a pair of 3/4" that are okay. Can't stand the 1". I've had the 1/2" for at least 5 years now, and never had any issues at all. Buy quality leathers, more money, definately worth it.

[Heavenly Jumper]

I have a custom pair of leathers...they are one inch wide and single thickness...

Here is a photo actually -



I love them, they have a loop at the top for stirrup bars and a conway bucke on the other end with a leather cover...

[Dawn]

I've never seen any like that. Interesting.

[tbtrainer]

I also have 3/4 inch leathers on my saddle... as far as safety, mine have nylon webbing in between to strips of leather, I would never use anything but this kind....

[Rhythm 'n Blues]

Just remember that if you want a avoid rub marks on your saddle that getting stirrups leathers that are made of the same kind of leather as your saddle will greatly reduce the rub marks

For an expample, if you have a French leather (very sold leather) saddle, and you put German leather (harder more rough leather) stirrups leathers on that saddle, the German leather will rub and leave marks on the soft French leather.

Also, if you find that the buckles are are really bothering you through the saddle skirt (as in the leathers cause the skirt to stick up too much) then take the *extra* leather that is left (the part of the leather that goes into the keeper, holding it out of the way) and fold it back through the buckle (there a space between the where the leather is folded over & sewn to the metal part and where the actual metal part is - this makes the *extra* leather strap lay flatter under your leg.

Bah, that is NOT easy to explain...if anyone doesn't get it, but wants to know what I'm talking about let me know and I'll take a photo!