Keeping the horse’s legs strong and healthy is undoubtedly one of the things that riders pay a lot of attention to. However, they often forget how much work is done by their own legs as well. Athletes in other sports have been supporting their bodies for years by choosing proper, shock-absorbing footwear. In the case of horse riding, the stirrups should fulfill the functions of shock-absorption, as the feet rest on them continuously during riding.
Stirrups with scientifically proven effectiveness in shock absorption
To ensure the absorption of as much energy as possible, Winderen's innovative Knee Protect Solution stirrups use a unique double shock-absorbing system that works effectively regardless of the rider's body weight. The effectiveness of the Winderen stirrups in terms of shock absorption and improvement to leg stability were confirmed by scientific research conducted by Dr Adrian Harrison and M.Sc. Marta Kulikowska from the University of Copenhagen.
Harrison and Kulikowska examined Winderen's stirrups using a modern diagnostic method called acoustic myography, which shows the effectiveness of work and the level of fatigue of the leg structures in real time. Results showed a significant difference in use efficiency and fatigue levels of the muscles and ligaments, proving that Winderen stirrups are actively reducing overload and increasing the effectiveness of the rider's legs. This enhances balance in the saddle as well as comfort and stability, both between obstacles and in the air, which is essential for success in the arena.
Tokyo Olympic rider Jan Kamiński about Winderen stirrups:
"Winderen stirrups are the best choice for people who have or will have problems with leg strain. I have been using them since I recovered from my injury, and I feel that my legs have solid support and my knees do not hurt like before. Their weight is perfectly matched, so I always know where my stirrups are. They are also the first shock-absorbing stirrups where I do not lose the feeling of my horse because of the changing flexibility."
Winderen stirrups' double shock absorption technology
In the Winderen stirrups, the upper absorber effectively eliminates the shocks generated by the rigid connection of the stirrup eye with the stirrup leather, and also effectively absorbs the energy generated while landing on the stirrups during jumping. Thanks to this solution, the rider’s body, especially the ankles, knees and hips, do not take such overload, resulting in less fatigue and allowing the rider to find good balance in the saddle.
The lower absorber actively reacts to the changing pressure of the rider's foot, facilitating constant contact of the shoe sole with the foot bed. This makes it easier for the rider to keep their feet in the stirrups, both during fast rides between obstacles and during the jumps themselves, and the stability provided by the stirrups allows for a more confident and effective ride without fear of losing the stirrup.
Support of the rider's foot as a key element of good balance in the saddle
The rider's posture in the saddle begins with the foot position in the stirrup. The foot is an extremely complicated structure consisting of bones, joints, ligaments, muscles and sensitive receptors. It is the receptors in the soles that allow your body to maintain a dynamic balance while riding and jumping. These receptors register changes, and then, by tensing individual muscles, they allow you to maintain balance. That is why achieving a relaxed position in the saddle, which will not only be comfortable for the horse but also allow for more precise riding and better balance in the jump, depends on the position of the feet and stable support from the stirrups.
In the saddle, the rider's entire body weight rests on the metatarsus, which, together with the ankles, knees and hips, take over most of the loads resulting primarily from landing on the stirrups after the jump. Dr Sheila Schils, in her scientific research "Biomechanics of Jumping", calculated that the leading leg on which the horse lands after jumping an obstacle of only 120 cm is loaded with a force of approximately 2 tons, with a significant part of this energy being transferred to the rider landing on the stirrups.
That is why it is extremely important to choose stirrups that effectively absorb energy and ensure optimum training comfort, thus facilitating balance in the half-sit and jump. Consistent and effective shock absorption provides the necessary support for muscles and joints, which translates into better athletic performance and fewer overloads.
Learn more about Winderen stirrups, their innovative double shock absorber technology and the scientific research confirming their effectiveness in improving rider comfort at the Winderen website.
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