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Safety Stirrup alternatives - More information and alternatives for you as the US Pony Club and the FEI has banned Peacock / hook and loop style stirrups.


THE BAN ON PEACOCK STIRRUPS

The use of Peacock /hook-and-loop style safety stirrups has now been banned by The United States Pony Club (From January 1 2025) and now by the USEF (Effective December 1 2025).


The US Pony Club has made some suggestions as to alternatives and as options become clearer, we will be highlighting products that we feel would be excellent considerations to this page.   Meantime, as of May 5, and in an abundance of caution, we will be removing all Peacock style stirrups from Tack of the Day.


  • Closed-branch design: This means the stirrup has a closed loop on the branch, preventing the foot from slipping through easily. 
  • Bow-shaped: The stirrup has a curved shape, often with a wider opening at the top, aiding in foot placement and release during a fall. 
  • Bent-arm, forward-facing: This design has a bent arm that faces forward, allowing for a quicker release when pressure is applied in a fall. 
  • Those with a safe side or breakaway release mechanism.

The United States Pony Clubs does not endorse or promote any specific products or type of alternative stirrup.


BREAKAWAY RELEASE STIRRUPS


FLEXIBLE SIDES 


BOWED DESIGN

SHOP ALL SAFETY STIRRUPS

Peacock Stirrups Are Banned: What to Ride in Instead

Peacock stirrups, the safety irons with a rubber or hook-and-loop band on the outside, have been banned by the United States Pony Clubs from January 1, 2025, and by USEF effective December 1, 2025. If your stirrups have a detachable outside band, it's time to replace them.

Why the change

A peacock stirrup is designed to release the foot by letting the outer band pop off. The concern is that the band can come away when it shouldn't, or fail to release cleanly. Tack of the Day has removed peacock-style stirrups from sale.

Choosing a replacement

Look for a stirrup with a wide tread for a secure foot, a weight and size that suit your boot, and, if you want a safety feature, a design your rulebook allows. Check with your Pony Club, USEF or discipline rules before you buy, since requirements can differ. The United States Pony Clubs does not endorse any specific product.

Shop stirrups

Browse stirrups and stirrup leathers from Compositi, Royal Rider, Herm Sprenger and more. We'll add recommended alternatives to this page as options become clearer.