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HomeHorse SuppliesHorse TackStirrup IronsEnglish StirrupsSprenger Bow Balance Stirrup Pads - Size 4 3/4" |
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| Customer Reviews: | | Average Customer Review: ( 4 customer reviews )
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 9 found the following review helpful:
 NOTE: THIS RATING for "THE Original Horse Tack Company" who is actually the seller for this product! Mar 28, 2009
By Mahlers2nd
"Mom of Many Interests"
************ Review for THE Original Horse Tack Company ****************
Normally, I don't post reviews on non-Amazon sellers because this isn't eBay. However, in the case of this item -- where the item appears to be available only via 'THE Original Horse Tack Company', I feel that I need to lower the rating and provide a warning to others who would be tempted to order this item.
I ordered these stirrups because this was the lowest price I have found anywhere. I figured since they were from an Amazon web page, I was ordering from Amazon... it isn't until you get to checkout that you realize they are being sold through an "Amazon Merchant" and Amazon was just collecting the money and providing the "middle ground" communication. Normally this isn't a problem since I have had many many successful transactions with Amazon Merchants and continue to do business with them.
I ordered these stirrups 10 days ago and should have received them by now. However, Amazon alerted me to the fact that the vendor "THE Original Horse Tack Company" never responded to any requests for shipping information or shipping confirmation. As a result, I contacted the merchant requesting information and apparently they had not been shipped because the order was subsequently canceled.
I appreciate Amazon's vigilance in alerting me that there was a problem. However, if you are expecting the usually prompt transaction that Amazon is known for, do not order these stirrups through this particular page! You are not ordering directly from Amazon as it might appear at first glance.
****************** Review for the Stirrups ************************
These stirrups came highly recommended to me two separate dressage trainers. I was told they were expensive but because of the flex and "pad area" in the design, they would allow me to have much better contact with the stirrups without causing strain to my ankles. They are correct!
These stirrups (and even their slightly less expensive counterpart (the Herm Sprenger System 4 stirrups) actually flex to compensate for "lack of flexibility" the rider may have due to weak ankles or knees (and let's face it... if you are over 40 -- you know what I'm talking about. I sprained one ankle two years ago and so that ankle is very weak and tends to "fold under" itself and collapse. I broke my other ankle over ten years ago and that ankle has the opposite problem -- it is stiff and will not flex into a position and therefore, my foot contact with the pad is very weak. With these stirrups, I'm able to do everything better from getting into the saddle to being able to ride correctly for longer periods of time.
I wish I had found out about these years ago. They have made a tremendous difference and almost instantaneous improvement in my riding. It has made a difference for my horse as well since the minute I started using these, he relaxed immediately because my legs were in the correct position giving him appropriate cues which he could actually understand.
Note about the size -- you'll need a wider stirrup than you normally purchase because of the rubber covering the joints on either side of the pad. If you wear a women's size 8+ boot with normal width feet, you'll need the widest width stirrup.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 Small learning curve, Big improvement! Jun 29, 2009
By Joanne M. Friedman
"Schoolmarm"
I have never owned a pair of flex stirrups before, so for me the initial ride was a little disconcerting. Once I learned to relax and let my ankles stabilize naturally instead of trying to force them into the usual position, I fell in love with this product! I'm old. I have joint pain even without riding. The excellent design of the Bow Balance removed all the hip and knee pain I'd been suffering. Even if you're not old, it's hard to deny the change.
The four-star rating reflects the one drawback, which is that there is just a hint of instability that some months later I'm still sensing. But for riders who switch disciplines frequently, who enjoy lengthy training sessions, or who like to hack out for long periods, this product is fantastic! The flexibility and the soft feel under foot are worth the hefty price.
1 of 1 found the following review helpful:
 remarkable stirrups Dec 01, 2009
By Amos Pants
I was experiencing terrible knee pain after long rides. Switching to these stirrups dramatically reduced the pain. They allow my foot and leg to settle into a more natural position. They also give me the freedom to keep a solid, safe stirrup position as I reposition my feet and legs to communicate with my horse in different ways. I can't recommend them highly enough.
(Did not purchase them from this seller.)
Item is fantastic, this company not so much Apr 21, 2012
By Excalichick
First the review of the company...I read the reviews provided below and thought that it was an issue between Amazon and the company so I went directly through the company. I, too, had similar issues with the shipping of my product. I ordered this product 10 days ago and I still have not received either pair! DO NOT SHOP WITH THIS VENDOR.
Now, for the review of the stirrups. I absolutely adore this stirrups. Traditional stirrups were making my hands go numb due to issues with my back. This particular stirrups enabled me to continue riding without waking up to numb hands. I highly recommend these stirrups!
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