Q: At what point is a rider ready to adjust the length of her dressage stirrups? A friend recently told me that I should be riding two or three holes lower so I could have “more leg.” All I get when I do that is a wobbly leg. How can I prepare myself for longer stirrups and determine when I’m ready to lower them?

~ Sue A., Texas

A: There are many opinions among trainers on “correct” dressage stirrup length. It is safe to assume that there is a range of stirrup lengths appropriate for dressage. You mention lowering your stirrups two to three holes; unless your stirrup lengths are very short, this may be a bit radical for your situation.

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether you can ride more effectively with your stirrups on the shorter or longer side. ©Amy K. Dragoo

Many factors affect stirrup length—the length of your leg, the size and shape of your horse’s barrel, the level at which you’re riding, the type of saddle you use and your own preference. But the following guidelines can help you evaluate your situation.

Your Stirrups Are Too Short

You’ll know your stirrups are too short if any of the following are true:

  • Your knees are forward against the knee roll even when your heels are down slightly.
  • Your heels are pushed way down when your knee is in a proper position.
  • Your upper or lower leg is consistently pinched against your horse.
  • You can’t get your lower leg around your horse.

Your Stirrups Are Too Long

Your stirrups are on the long side if any of the following are true:

  • Your heels aren’t down even when your thighs are stretched downward.
  • You can’t clear the front of the saddle when posting.
  • You frequently lose a stirrup, especially at the sitting trot.
  • You have to reach for your stirrups with your toes down.

Stirrup-Length Factors to Consider

At the beginning of a lesson, I sometimes ask my students to ride without stirrups for five minutes. A tense rider needs to stretch his or her inner leg muscles by lifting the knee away from the saddle for a few seconds and allowing it to fall into a deeper position farther back. Concentrating on one leg at a time and then on both legs simultaneously works well.

After a few minutes of stretching and relaxing, the legs are usually more comfortable in a deeper position. At this point, I check the length of the stirrup. For dressage in general, the bottom of the iron should be between the anklebone and the heel.

Many novice riders err on the side of having their stirrups too short, but in the end, a good rider can ride effectively with the stirrups two holes too short or too long. Here, Oliver Townend and Cooley Rosalent sail through their dressage test at the 2024 Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event. ©Amy K. Dragoo

There are a number of factors to consider when deciding whether you can ride more effectively with stirrups on the shorter or longer side. For young, green, spooky or rough-gaited horses, it can be helpful to ride with stirrups one or two holes shorter than you would on horses schooling upper-level movements. If your legs are long relative to your horse’s barrel, shorter stirrups will allow you to make contact with your horse’s sides without lifting your heels. If your leg is short relative to your horse’s barrel, longer stirrups may be necessary.

Most novice riders err on the side of having their stirrups too short. This seems especially true for dressage riders, but also for jumpers and eventers. I never like to see people riding on their tiptoes. Likewise, I don’t like a lot of bend in the knee with the heels jammed down. In the end, a good rider can ride effectively with the stirrups two holes too short or too long.

If you’re having trouble lowering your stirrups, it could stem from a problem with your upper leg. Riding on a longe line is excellent for improving your upper-leg position. I recommend finding an instructor who produces elegant riders and asking for instruction on the longe line. This personal feedback will help you zero in on what may work best for you.

About Steven Wolgemuth

Steven Wolgemuth, U.S. Dressage Federation bronze, silver and gold medalist; winner of many national titles, all-breed awards and top honors at dressage shows on the East Coast; owns and operates Graemont Farm in Manheim, Pennsylvania.