WO2007052127A1 - Stirrup and its components - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention is a stirrup (1, 100, 101, 102, 103) comprising a support element and a tread. The tread (4, 4a, 4b, 4d, 4e) and the support element (2, 2a, 2b, 2d, 2e) consist of two separate bodies that can be removably associated with each other. The invention also concerns the components of said stirrup and a saddle.

Description

STIRRUP AND ITS COMPONENTS

The invention concerns a stirrup particularly suitable for riding and its components.

As well known, to enable a rider to ride easily a horse, a donkey or an animal in general, special pieces of equipment called saddles are used, which are placed on the animal's back.

Saddles and in particular saddles for riding horses are generally made of leather and substantially comprise a seat equipped with straps or girths for securing to the animal's back and two side hooks for supporting the stirrup leathers, at the end of which there are the two stirrups, that is, the parts where the rider rests his feet.

The stirrups of known type substantially comprise a single piece in which it is possible to identify a substantially flat part, also called tread, on which the rider places his foot, and an arc-shaped part, also called arch, on top of which there is an eye for the passage of the stirrup leather.

Between the tread and the arch, therefore, a housing is defined, where the rider inserts his foot to let it rest on the tread.

As already known, the configuration and characteristics of the stirrup vary according to the type of gait for which it is used. In particular, in some types of stirrup the tread is provided with a removable insert that defines the area where the foot rests, in order to prevent the foot from slipping inside the stirrup. This insert serves to increase the grip of the shoe on the tread and is generally made of rubber.

In other solutions, the insert consists of a punched plate that is applied to the tread.

A first drawback posed by the stirrups of known type is represented by the fact that to clean the stirrup and in particular the tread it is necessary to remove the entire stirrup from the stirrup leather.

A further drawback is represented by the fact that the gripping effect, due either to the rubber insert or to the punched plate, lasts shorter than the gripping effect obtained by the tread surface. In fact the inserts, either in rubber or plate, wear out rather quickly and therefore must be frequently replaced.

Another drawback is constituted by the fact that cleaning operations are rather complex, since the inserts cannot be easily removed from the tread. Another drawback of the saddles of known type is constituted by the fact that it isn't possible to replace a stirrup quickly in order to adapt the saddle to the rider's needs or temporary requirements or to carry out urgent and/or emergency repairs. In the known solutions, it is necessary to unfasten each stirrup leather from the seat and then remove the entire stirrup. A further limitation of the stirrups of known type lies in that they cannot be adapted to different uses and therefore the rider must possess a different stirrup for every specific need and/or use and install it on the saddle when necessary.

The aim of the present invention is to overcome the drawbacks described above.

In particular, it is a first aim of the invention to propose a stirrup for riding that can be adapted according to the rider's needs and/or to the specific intended use.

It is another aim of the invention to propose a stirrup that can be quickly adapted, even without using tools, with a simple operation that doesn't require special skills and/or technical knowledge.

It is a further aim of the invention to make a stirrup whose parts, in particular the tread, can be comfortably cleaned with no need to remove the stirrup from the saddle and/or from the stirrup leather.

It is a further aim of the invention to carry out a stirrup that in the same operating conditions lasts longer than the stirrups of known type having comparable characteristics. Lastly, it is a further aim of the invention to make a stirrup that is reliable, easy to install and to service.

The aims mentioned above have been achieved through the construction of a stirrup, tread and tread support element, as well as a riding saddle according to the contents of the respective independent claims. Advantageous embodiments of the invention form the object of the dependent claims.

Advantageously, the proposed solution enables the rider to provide directly for replacing the tread with another tread he deems more suitable for the situation, with no need to use tools like wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, without excessive efforts and even with the saddle already fastened to the animal.

Still advantageously, the proposed solution also makes it possible to obtain a stirrup that lasts as long as the stirrups without inserts, though guaranteeing the same grip.

Still advantageously, the proposed solution enables any worn tread to be replaced with a new one with no need to replace the arch, thus obtaining a stirrup that is practically new.

The proposed solution also makes it possible to advantageously carry out a stirrup that can be easily adapted and that can be quickly disassembled and reassembled for cleaning or replacement according to the need. The aims and advantages described above will be highlighted in greater detail in the description of some preferred embodiments of the invention, supplied as examples without limitation, with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:

- Figure 1 is an axonometric view of a stirrup carried out according to the invention; - Figure 2 is another axonometric view of the stirrup shown in Figure 1 ;

- Figure 3 is an axonometric view of a partial section of the stirrup shown in Figure 1;

- Figure 4 is a view from below of the stirrup shown in Figure 1;

- Figure 5 is a view from below of an element of the stirrup shown in Figure 1; - Figure 6 shows a cross section along plane A-A of the element shown in

Figure 5;

- Figure 7 is an exploded view of the element shown in Figure 6;

- Figure 8 is an axonometric view of another stirrup carried out according to the invention in operating configuration; - Figure 9 is a view from below of the stirrup shown in Figure 8;

- Figure 10 is another axonometric view of the stirrup shown in Figure 8 in a different configuration;

- Figure 11 is a view from below of the stirrup shown in Figure 10;

- Figure 12 is an axonometric view of another strirrap carried out according to the invention in operating configuration;

- Figure 13 is a view from below of the stirrup shown in Figure 12;

- Figura 14 is a view from below of the stirrup shown in Figure 10 in a different configuration;

- Figure 15 is an axonometric view of another stirrup carried out according to the invention;

- Figure 16 is an axonometric view of a partial section of the stirrup shown in Figure 15;

- Figura 17 shows a longitudinal section of the stirrup shown in Figure 15;

- Figure 18 is an axonometric view of an element of the stirrup shown in Figure 15; - Figure 19 is an axonometric view of a further stirrup carried out according to the invention in operating configuration;

- Figure 20 is another axonometric view of the stirrup shown in Figure 19 in a different configuration; - Figure 21 shows a view from below of an element of the stirrup shown in Figure 19;

- Figure 22 shows an axonometric view of another element of the stirrup shown in Figure 19;

- Figures 23 to 28 are axonometric and/or sectional views of some assembly/disassembly steps of the stirrup shown in Figure 1;

- Figures 29 to 31 are axonometric and/or sectional views of some assembly/disassembly steps of the stirrup shown in Figure 15;

- Figure 32 is a side view of an assembly/disassembly step of the stirrup shown in Figure 19. First of all it is important to point out that the same parts in different embodiments are indicated by the same reference numbers. In case of position changes, the indications given for the different embodiments must be logically transferred to the new positions. A practical embodiment of a riding stirrup carried out according to the invention is shown in Figure 1, where it is indicated as a whole by 1.

It comprises a support element or arch 2, that is also subject of the invention, provided with means 3 for fastening to the stirrup leather of a saddle and a tread 4, that is also subject of the invention, defining the surface 5 on which the rider's foot rests. It is important to observe that at the level of at least part of the supporting surface 5 the tread is treated in such a way as to increase grip of the rider's shoe sole on the tread 4.

According to the invention, the tread 4 and the support element 2 are constituted by two separate bodies, shown in detail in Figure 2, which can be associated with each other, and in particular the tread 4 is removably associated with the support element 2; more precisely, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the tread 4 rests on the support element 2.

This advantageously makes it possible to transmit the force exerted by the rider on the supporting surfaces 5 to the support element 2, holding the tread 4 in position and allowing it to be replaced at the same time. In fact, the solution proposed makes it possible to create an operating condition where the force exerted by the rider pushes the tread against the support element, thus preventing it from being released. According to the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the invention and in particular the tread 4 is provided with first connection means 6 suited to be coupled with second connection means 7 integral with the support element 2, visible in Figures 3 and 4.

Said connection means 6, 7 are suited to prevent any reciprocal movement between the support element 2 and the tread 4. In the embodiment illustrated, the connection means 6, 7 comprise a groove-and- tongue joint and more precisely comprise parts 61 that are integral with the tread 4 and suited to be inserted and/or coupled partially and/or completely in/with corresponding second parts 71 integral with the support element 2. In particular, in the example shown, the first parts also comprise a seat 62, visible in particular in Figure 5, which develops longitudinally with respect to the tread 4 forming a groove suited to house the corresponding second part comprising, in this case, a portion 72 of the support element 2, shown also in Figures 2 and 3. It is clear that the number of parts suited to be coupled with each other, as well as their shape and position, can be as desired, provided that they are such as to be able, once the coupling has taken place, to counteract any reciprocal movement between the tread 4 and the support element 2.

The connection means 6, 7 also comprise at least one groove 63 made along at least one stretch of one side of the perimeter of the tread 4, visible in Figures 3 and 5, said groove being suited to be coupled with at least one arm 21 of the support element 2, and also to guide the tread 4 in the assembly/disassembly steps that will be described below.

The preferred embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 1 also comprises locking means 8, visible in detail also in Figures 3 to 6 and suited to lock and/or secure the tread 4 in the rest position on the support element 2 and arranged at the level of at least one insertion and/or coupling area of the parts of the connection means 6, 7.

Advantageously, always according to the invention, said locking means 8 are of the type with quick coupling/release or of the snap-in type, and enable the tread 4 to be replaced comfortably and quickly, even when the stirrup 1 is secured to a saddle, at the same time preventing it from accidentally separating from the element 2.

More precisely, in the embodiment illustrated, said locking means 8 comprise a mechanical locking means that can be manoeuvred manually through handling means indicated as a whole by 9. In particular, said locking means 8, shown in detail in Figures 5 to 7, comprise a bolt consisting of a rod 10 that can be moved from a locking position shown in Figures 3, 4, where it engages with part of the support element 2 to a release position shown in Figure 24, where it disengages from the support element 2 to allow the tread 4 to be detached from the element 2 itself, as will be described in greater detail below.

More precisely, the rod 10 is slidingly installed on a seat consisting of a first guide hole 11 made in the tread 4 and is suited to be inserted in a second hole 12, visible in Figura 2, made in the portion 72 of the support element 2. Said first hole 11 has an axis 11a that passes through the insertion/coupling area and in particular the groove 62.

According to the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the mentioned figures, the locking means 8 cooperate with members suited to guarantee the elastic and automatic return of the rod 10 from the release position to the rest position, when the tread is locked. Said members comprise, in the embodiment shown, elastic means 13 including, in this case, a helical spring 13a coaxial with the rod 10 and suited to permit the elastic return of the rod 10 from the release position to the locking position. The spring 13 has an end 14 that is integral with the tread 4 and that in particular rests against a wall 41 of the tread, while the other end 15 is integral with the rod 10 and more precisely rests against a shoulder 15a present on the rod 10 itself and constituted by an annular projection made with a ring 15 fixed to the rod or pin 10.

As regards the handling means 9 visible in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 6, in the embodiment of the invention illustrated herein they comprise the ring 15 which, as will be better explained below and as described above, allows the user to move the rod or pin 10 inside the hole 11, thus permitting the coupling/release of the tread 4 with/from the element 2.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the locking means 8 are magnetic, and more precisely they comprise a first body integral with the support element 2 and a second body integral with the tread 4, said bodies being such as to attract each other when they are arranged facing and/or near each other, so as to prevent any reciprocal movement between the tread 4 and the support element

2 itself.

As regards the means 3 for fastening to the stirrup leather of a saddle, they comprise a through opening 301, visible in particular in Figures 1 and 2, through which the stirrup leather is inserted.

A further embodiment of the stirrup of the invention, indicated as a whole by number 100 in Figures 8 to 11, is differentiated from the previous one due to the fact that the locking means 8 comprise two pins 10a housed in two corresponding seats provided in the tread 4a, and also due to the different shape of the elastic means 13 comprising in this case an elastic laminar shaped element 13b that also makes up the handling means 9.

More precisely, the laminar element has the ends 17 integral with the two pins

10a and a part 18 that cooperates with a counteracting element 19 integral with the tread 4a.

The user, by exerting on the element 13b a force as indicated by the arrows 20 in

Figure 11, deforms it so that it becomes as shown in Figure 11, thus obtaining the release of the pins 10a from the support element 2a and freeing the tread 4a.

It should also be observed that the pins 10a in the operating position shown in Figure 9 have the ends 23 fitting in corresponding holes 22 made in the tread 4a.

This makes it possible to increase the stability of the coupling between the tread and the support element. In this embodiment the force exerted by the rider on the stirrup can be transmitted to the support element 2a through the locking means 8.

A further embodiment of the stirrup of the invention indicated as a whole by number 101 in Figures 12, 13 and 14 is differentiated from the previous one due to the fact that the handling means 9 comprise two levers 9b integral with the tread 4b and hinged to their respective axes 25.

The same embodiment is differentiated from the previous ones also due to the different shape of the locking means 8. More precisely, in the example shown each lever 9b cooperates with respective elastic means 13 and has two protruding elements 10b constituted by pins, belonging to the locking means 8 and suited to be coupled with corresponding seats obtained on the support element 2b.

With this embodiment the user, to release the tread 4b from the support element, uses each lever 9b exerting a force as indicated by the arrows 24. In this way the rotation of the levers 9b is obtained, as shown in detail in Figure 14, together with the consequent disengagement of the pins 10b from the corresponding seats present in the support element 2b. A further embodiment of a stirrup carried out according to the invention indicated as a whole by number 102 in the Figures 15 to 18 is differentiated from the previous one due to the fact that the support element 2d is open at the bottom, as shown in detail in Figure 18, and more precisely is provided at the bottom, at the ends of the arms 2 Id, with two supporting elements 31 for the tread 4d. The same embodiment is differentiated from the previous ones also due to the fact that the locking means 8 comprise an elastic element 32 integral with the tread 4d, suited to snap into a corresponding seat 33 obtained in the supporting elements 31 of the support element 2d, visible in detail in Figures 16 and 17. Said elastic element 32, once inserted in its seat 33, prevents the tread 4d from coming off the support element 2d. More precisely, said effect is obtained by two thrusting elements 34 that act by contact against a surface 35 of the seat 33 obtained in the support element 2d.

As to the handling means 9, in this case they are constituted by edges 36 of the elastic element 32, on which the user acts to deform the elastic element 32, as will be better described below. It is clear, however, that in other embodiments of the invention not represented herein the locking means 8 can be integral with the support element 2, 2a, 2b, 2d and not with the tread 4, 4a, 4b and 4d.

It must be observed that, to advantage, according to another preferred embodiment of the stirrup of the invention, the connection means 6 and in particular the insertion of the tread in the support element or arch is configured so that the tread cannot come off the arch when the foot is in position. This advantageously makes the locking means 8 useless.

In this case the tread disengages from the element 2 through the exertion of a moderate force on the tread in the direction opposite that of the operating loads, that is, when the stirrup is positioned as shown in Figure 1, by pushing upwards from below.

A further embodiment of the invention is differentiated from the previous ones due to the fact that the locking means 8 comprise a pin or a tang suited to be inserted in seat provided for this purpose between the tread and the element 2. Another embodiment of a stirrup carried out according to the invention indicated as a whole by number 103 in Figures 19 to 22 is differentiated from the previous one due to the fact that the locking means 8 are integral with the support element 2e and to the fact that they are arranged at the level of one end of one arm 21e of the element 2e. In this case the connection means 8 are carried out in such away as to enable the tread 4e to be coupled with and also to rotate around a substantially horizontal axis 38 defined by a pin 81, as shown in detail in Figures 20, 21, 22. It should also be observed that in this embodiment the force exerted by the rider on the stirrup is at least partially transmitted to the support element 2e through the locking means 8.

The operation of the stirrup that is the subject of the invention will be described here below with reference to the first of the embodiments described above and to the Figures 23 to 28. The stirrup 1 , assembled and ready for use, appears as shown in detail in Figures l and 23.

In this configuration the connection means 6 and 7 are coupled and the pin 10 of the locking means 8 is inserted in the hole 12 in the portion 71 of the support element 2. In this configuration the tread 4 is locked in position. To release the tread 4 from the support element 2 the user acts on the ring 15 applying a force sufficient to move the pin 10 in the direction indicated by the arrow 39 in order to disengage the pin 10 from the hole 12 made in the support element 2. In this way the user meets the counteracting action of the helical spring 13a that is thus loaded.

After disengaging the pin 10 from the hole 12, as shown in detail in Figure 24, the user can disengage the connection means 6, 7 by moving the tread upwards as shown in detail in Figure 25, thus releasing it. If desired, the user can release the ring 15 to make the locking means 8 return to their initial rest position, thanks to the action of the helical spring 13 a.

At this point the user inclines the tread 4 with respect to the support element 2, bringing it to the position shown in Figures 26 and 27 and then withdraws it from the housing 45 defined by the element 2, as shown in Figure 28, making it translate frontally. In this regard it must be observed that the dimensions of the tread are such as to permit extraction of the same from the housing 45 defined by the support element

2.

More precisely, the length of the tread 4 is shorter than at least one of the diagonals of the above mentioned housing 45 defined by the support element or arch 2.

Vice versa, to install the tread 4 in the support element 2, the user must simply carry out the same operations described above in the reverse order. In particular, after arranging the tread 4 horizontally in the housing 45, the user must act on the ring 15 in such a way as to move the locking means 8 to the release position, thus loading the elastic means 13.

Successively, the user lowers the tread 4 until coupling the connection means 6,

7.

Finally, he releases the ring 15, thus allowing the elastic means 13 to bring the pin 10 back to its rest position and more particularly allowing the rod 10 to fit in the corresponding hole 12 made in the support element 2, thus locking the tread 4 in operating position.

The operations necessary to assemble/disassemble the stirrup 100 of the invention shown in Figure 8 are differentiated from the previous ones due to the fact that the user must act on the elastic element 13 as described above in order to disengage/engage the pins 10a from/in the corresponding through holes present in the portion 71a of the support element 2a.

Similarly, the operations necessary to assemble/disassemble the stirrup 101 of the invention shown in Figure 12 are differentiated from the previous ones due to the fact that the user must act on the levers 9b as described above in order to disengage/engage the pins 10b from/in the corresponding through holes present in the support element 2b.

The operations necessary to assemble/disassemble the stirrup 102 of the invention shown in Figure 15 are differentiated from the previous ones due to the fact that the coupling takes place automatically, with no need for the user to act on the tangs 36.

In this case the user, to assemble the stirrup 102, must position the tread 4d horizontally inside the housing 45 and then push it downwards. The contrast between the edges 36 and the parts 31 of the support element 2d determines a deformation/bending of the elastic elements 32 that become as shown in Figure 30. The user keeps pushing the tread downwards until coupling the connection means 6, 7 and hearing a click that confirms that the coupling of the locking means 8 has taken place. In this position the elastic elements are arranged as shown in Figure 31 and present the two thrusting elements 34 that act by contact against a surface 35 of the support element 2d.

Analogously to the description given above for the other embodiments of the invention, to disassemble the stirrup the user acts on the edges 36, moving them near each other and then moving the tread 4d first upwards and successively as described above. A particular shape of the surfaces in contact 34 and 35 would also allow the tread to be disassembled by simply exerting under the tread 4d an upward force sufficient to release the locking means with no need to act on the edges 36. It is clear that in this embodiment the tread 4d can be extracted also through the lower opening of the support element. The operations necessary to assemble/disassemble the stirrup 103 of the invention shown in Figure 19 are differentiated from the previous ones due to the fact that the user must insert first one end of the tread 4e as shown in Figure 32 and then make it rotate as indicated by the arrow 48 until coupling the connection means and reaching a substantially horizontal position. Finally, the user acts almost as described above on the locking means 8, thus locking the tread 4e in operating position.

The above clearly shows that the proposed solution resolves the drawbacks described above.

Advantageously, in the stirrup that is the subject of the invention the tread can be removed and in particular it is fitted in the arch and if necessary locked by locking means that are operated automatically or manually at the moment of positioning the tread on the arch and prevent it from accidentally coming off. In particular, the proposed solution advantageously makes it possible to construct a stirrup that can be rapidly assembled and disassembled, and therefore allows the cleaning operations to be carried out quickly. Still advantageously, the proposed solution makes it possible to construct a stirrup where the tread can be quickly disassembled and assembled for replacement and/or maintenance purposes.

Advantageously this allows the rider, or whoever is working on the stirrup, to carry out the necessary operations quickly, for example to replace the tread or to carry out maintenance. Furthermore, these operations can be performed by the user simply and without particular efforts, since there is no need to use tools like pliers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc. It is clear that the components described can have any size and shape, provided that these are compatible with the intended use of the stirrup and the goals set. The preferred material for the construction of at least some parts of the stirrup of the invention is an aluminium alloy that makes it particularly resistant and light. However, it is clear that for different embodiments different materials can be used, like for example iron or plastic. It is also clear that the tread can be provided with inserts.

Even though the invention has been described making reference to the attached drawings, upon implementation changes can be made that shall all be considered protected by the present patent, provided that they are within the scope of the inventive concept expressed in the following claims. It is also important to remember that when the details mentioned in the claims below are followed by references, these must be understood as meant to improve the comprehensibility of the claim in question and not as a limitation to the interpretation of the same.

Claims

1) Stirrup (1, 100, 101, 102, 103) comprising a support element and a tread, characterized in that said tread (4, 4a, 4b, 4d, 4e) and said support element (2, 2a, 2b, 2d, 2e) consist of two separate bodies that can be removably associated with each other.

2) Stirrup according to claim 1 , characterized in that said tread is provided with first connection means (6) suited to be coupled with second connection means (7) integral with said support element, said connection means (6, 7) being suited to counteract any reciprocal movement between said support element and said tread.

3) Stirrup according to claim 2, characterized in that said connection means (6,

7) comprise a joint.

4) Stirrup according to claim 3, characterized in that said joint comprises first parts (61) integral with said tread suited to be inserted and/or coupled, partially and/or completely, in/with corresponding second parts (71) integral with said support element.

5) Stirrup according to claim 4, characterized in that said first parts also comprise a seat (62) that develops longitudinally to said tread, forming a groove suited to receive said second part comprising a portion (72) of said support element.

6) Stirrup according to any of the claims from 2 to 5, characterized in that said connection means (6, 7) also comprise at least one groove (63) made along at least one stretch of one side of the perimeter of said tread, said groove being suited to be coupled with at least one arm (21) of the support element. 7) Stirrup according to any of the claims from 2 to 6, characterized in that said connection means enable said tread (4e) to rotate around one substantially horizontal axis (38) in order to be coupled with said support element.

8) Stirrup according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said stirrup also comprises locking means (8) suited to lock and/or secure said tread to said support element in operating position.

9) Stirrup according to claim 8, characterized in that said locking means are of the type with quick coupling/release or the snap-in type.

10) Stirrup according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said locking means comprise a mechanical locking means that can be manoeuvred manually through handling means (9). 11) Stirrup according to claim 8 or 9 or 10, characterized in that said locking means (8) comprise a bolt including at least one pin or rod (10) integral with said tread or said support element, wherein said pin or rod can be moved from a locking position where it engages with part of said support element or of said tread to a release position where it disengages from said support element or from said tread.

12) Stirrup according to claim 11, characterized in that said locking means cooperate with members suited to guarantee the elastic automatic return of said pin or rod from said release position to said locking position. 13) Stirrup according to claim 12, characterized in that said members comprise elastic means (13).

14) Stirrup according to claim 13, characterized in that said elastic means comprise a helical spring (13a) coaxial with said rod.

15) Stirrup according to claim 13, characterized in that said elastic means (13) comprise at least one elastic and shaped laminar element (13b).

16) Stirrup according to claim 10 and to any of the claims from 11 to 15, characterized in that said handling means (9) comprise a ring (15) integral with said pin or rod (10).

17) Stirrup according to claim 10 and to any of the claims from 11 to 15, characterized in that said handling means comprise at least one lever (9b) hinged to an axis (25).

18) Stirrup according to claims 10 and 15, characterized in that said handling means are constituted by said elastic element (13b).

19) Stirrup according to claim 8 or 9 or 10, characterized in that said locking means (8) comprise at least one elastic element (32) integral with said tread or with said support element, said elastic element being suited to be inserted in a corresponding seat (33) obtained in said support element (2d) or in said tread (4d).

20) Stirrup according to claims 10 and 19, characterized in that said handling means (9) comprise edges (36) of said elastic element (32).

21) Stirrup according to claim 8 or 9 or 10, characterized in that said locking means comprise a pin or a tang suited to be inserted in a seat provided for this purpose between said tread and said support element.

22) Stirrup according to claim 8, characterized in that said locking means are magnetic. 23) Stirrup according to claim 22, characterized in that said locking means comprise a first body integral with said support element and a second body integral with said tread, said bodies being such as to attract each other when they are positioned facing and/or near each other. 24) Stirrup according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said support element (2d) has substantially the shape of an arch opened on the bottom and provided with two arms (2Id) with two supporting elements (31) for said tread (4d) at the bottom.

25) Stirrup according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that said tread rests on said support element.

26) Stirrup according to any of the claims from 1 to 24, characterized in that the force exerted by a rider on said tread is at least partially transmitted to said support element through said locking means.

27) Tread (4, 4a, 4b, 4d, 4e) for a stirrup, characterized in that it comprises first connection means (6) suited to be coupled with second connection means (7) of a support element (2, 2a, 2b, 2d, 2e) suited to be fixed to a saddle.

28) Tread according to claim 27, characterized in that said connection means (6, 7) comprise a joint.

29) Tread according to claim 27 or 28, characterized in that it also comprises locking means (8) suited to lock and/or secure said tread to said support element in operating position.

30) Tread according to claim 29, characterized in that said locking means (8) are of the type with quick coupling/release, or the snap-in type and/or mechanic and/or magnetic. 31) Support element (2, 2a, 2b, 2d, 2e) suited to be fixed to a saddle, characterized in that it is provided with first connection means (7) suited to be coupled with second connection means (6) of a tread (4, 4a, 4b, 4d, 4e). 32) Element according to claim 31, characterized in that said connection means (6, 7) comprise a joint. 33) Element according to claim 31 or 32, characterized in that it also comprises locking means (8) suited to lock and/or secure said support element to said tread in operating position.

34) Element according to claim 33, characterized in that said locking means are of the type with quick coupling/release, or the snap-in type and/or mechanic and/or magnetic. 5) Saddle for riding, comprising at least one stirrup, characterized in that said stirrup is carried out according to any of the claims from 1 to 25.