Free Fall Safety Stirrup

["Glenda R. Snodgrass" <grs@TheNetEffect.com>]

Okay, experiences please.  Has anyone used this stirrup?  (Teddy has them
at http://www.runningbear.com/NEWCAT/CAT-PAGES/new.html)

I love the FlexRides I got last year, find them very very comfy, but I'm a
bit concerned that my foot doesn't come out fast enough in a fall.  My boy
doesn't spook often, but when he does it's really a doozy and I go flying.
Last year we had a bad crash when one foot didn't come out of the stirrup
fast enough, causing my leg to hyperextend before the foot released, and
causing me great pain in that joint.  Now it seems that joint is weaker
there, because I had another smallish fall just after Christmas and did
the same thing with that leg/hip joint.  Not being able to walk for a week
is a major PITA, and the thought of this happening at a ride and my not
being able to drive home is terrifying.

Anyway, this Free Fall Safety Stirrup is completely open on the side so it
looks like I wouldn't have that split-second hangup that is hurting my
leg.  I'm worried mostly about the comfort though -- no padding (though I
wear hiking boots so I have padding there) and the weight (I switched from
EZRides to FlexRides because the heavier stirrups made my ankles tired).
Anyone tried 'em yet or have any opinions on them?

Glenda & Lakota
Mobile, AL
AERC # M18819 & H27310
SE Region


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