GB2223154A

GB2223154A - Racing stirrup

Info

Publication number: GB2223154A
Application number: GB8817940A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Claire Innes Askew
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1988-07-27
Filing date: 1988-07-27
Publication date: 1990-04-04
Also published as: GB8817940D0

Abstract

The racing stirrup provides a leather or strap suspension point 1 at the upper corner of the stirrup. The slot of the suspension point is in the same plane as that of the saddle fixing. In use the suspending straps do not have to twist to accommodate the foot, the weight bearing footplate 2 is approximately parallel to the ground and the slightly angled stirrup side rests evenly against the saddle when in contact. <IMAGE>

Description

RACING STIRRUP This invention relates to foot stirrups for use by jockeys when riding horses.

Stirrup attachments to horse riding saddles are in common use. However, the use of conventionally shaped stirrups for racing does not fulfil the needs of a jockey. This is because the jockey rides considerably "shorter" (crouched) than an ordinary rider so the stirrups are actually against the sides of the saddle. This position prevents conventional stirrups from hanging freely as each is suspended by a returning leather or strap at its central apex which is also at ninety degrees relative to the strap hanging point on the saddle thereby obliging the strap pair to twist over its short length.

Additionally the central suspension point on the conventional stirrup causes it to hang at an angle and the jockey to place his feet in the corners of the stirrups instead of the flat base provided. This can make the jockey unbalanced, uncomfortable, cause unnecessary wear to boots and to occasion pain caused by pinching of the calves by flexing of the short twisted hanging straps or leathers.

According to the present invention interchangeable stirrups are provided which afford a suspension point at the outer top edge for left side or right side use and permit attachment to the saddle fixing in the same parallel plane by the returning leather or strap loop.

Construction example is one piece injection moulded nylon plastic of nominally 0.8cm. round limb section and finished flat functional surfaces of comparable gauge; or similar.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows in perspective the stirrup Figure 2 shown an end elevation of the stirrup Figure 3 shows a side elevation of the stirrup Figure 4 shows a plan view of the stirrup The stirrup invented is particularly beneficial for use with racing horses. Whilst riding a race horse the jockey rides considerably "shorter". This style causes the stirrup to be directly in contact with the saddle. As the conventional riding iron or stirrup has convex sides, it is forced outwards at an angle. This results in the flat standing base describing an angle of about 300 and the jockey's foot being forced to slide into the corner between the standing base and the inside curve.

Another problem with the conventional iron is the slot through which the supporting leather goes is parallel to the standing base. The need then arises for the leather to twist before the foot is accommodated.

Referring to the drawings the stirrup invented has a flat inside edge with a slight obtuse angle (4). This makes it compatible with the side of the saddle. The foot plate (2) is then able to remain horizontal so providing a secure, balanced standing point from which to ride the horse. The position of the leather slot (1) (3) has also been changed, so that the stirrup lays flat onto the side of the saddle, preventing the need for the leather to twist and cause pinching.

Claims

1. A riding stirrup with strap or leather hanging attachment point off-centre at extreme upper edge or corner suitable for interchangeable right or left side positioning, and further contoured thereby permitting it to rest against the saddle when in use and provide a horizontal footplate for the rider.

2. A riding stirrup as claimed in Claim 1 with the slot for strap or leather hanging attachment positioned in the same plane as the fixing for aforesaid strap on the saddle thereby precluding the need for the strap or leather to twist in use.

3. A riding stirrup as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 constructed of nylon plastic being lightweight, non-corrosive and non-frangible; or comparable material.

4. A riding stirrup as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 or Claim 3 of material and style that reduces wear on footwear.