OVERVIEW:
Last year I had a shopping spree in my excitement for my newfound fondness for horse shows. During one of my shopping incidents, I purchased a pair of Lemieux Vector Balance stirrups. I’ve always used normal plain Jane stirrups and it was big for me when I moved up to peacock stirrups. This purchase I thought about, researched, shelved, picked back up, researched more, put in my cart, thought about, then, finally, purchased.
When the stirrups arrived the packaging made me feel like I was getting luxury…it should considering they retail for $250+. It was exciting to receive and unbox!
Upon opening I was drawn to the spikes inlaid in the foot pad! WOW! They were a little intimidating, to be honest. These spikes stand straight up, not at all like the cheese-grater-style stirrups, I had seen in my research. They are pretty sharp so “doing up” the stirrups after a ride need to be done with caution. You can’t simply slide the leather in and out of these stirrups without scratching the leather…and I love my stirrup leathers.
I tested the safety release function and pulled on the sides of the stirrups. They clicked right out, not so flimsy that they would release accidentally but easy enough to release in the event of a fall. To replace them, they simply snap right back in. Easy peasy.
When I first rode in these Vector Balance stirrups I noticed the slight angle and I noticed they NEVER slid off my foot.
Although the spikes seem aggressive I didn’t feel them while riding at all. Even now after over a year of use they are secure and comfortable.
They do tend to attract more dirt and get caked easier. I use my hoof pick brush to clean them off but it can still be a hassle to do and I don’t do it every ride.
My only true cautionary word about the Vector Balance stirrups is that you need to make absolutely certain that they are oriented correctly. After cleaning my saddle I replaced the stirrups on wrong in haste; the next time I rode was in a clinic at a local farm. I wasn’t about to act a fool and pause my lesson to switch the stirrups so I rode on. The pain in my ankle from the wrong twist was excruciating and it lingered for a few weeks. I do believe I may have sprained my foot during that lesson (my doctor mentioned he saw an old injury in my MRI).
PROS:
- Well made
- Durable
- Safety Release and easy to replace
- Angled to support leg position
- Stirrups stay on your foot!
- Spikes don’t chew up your boots; other brands are like cheese graters and damage boots.
CONS
- The spikes are sharp and need care to protect leathers
- The spikes can get caked with dirt more easily
Alternatives:
- B.Vertigo
- Acavallo
- Freejump
- Flex-on
Final Word:
I love my Lemieux Vector Balance stirrups and would gladly buy them again.
For people with ankle issues, they may be tough but I have issues in both ankles and manage fine (as long as they are on correctly). The spikes, although appearing aggressive are kind to boots. They stay with your foot without tearing the boot up. The stirrups are really attractive too and the safety release works as intended. Returning the safety release back into position is easy and doesn’t require extra tools or replacement items.
Find yours here:
The Green Horseman 
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