Abstract

There is disclosed a shock absorbing equestrian stirrup including a generally stirrup-shaped rigid structure having a substantially horizontal tread portion with a cushion thereon, two upright side portions joined near their top ends by a support bar and further including a ring of elastomeric energy absorbing material with a diameter somewhat less than the distance between the upright side portions of the stirrup structure, the ring being secured by a bolt in a position just under the support bar. Preferably, the stirrup is provided with a keeper to retain the saddle leathers, or straps, extending down from the saddle in position looped under the elastomeric ring. The keeper takes the form of polypropylene belting looped from the top of the support bar down around the ring and back to the loop of the support bar having on the outside edges thereof lengths of nylon belting secured to form a loop extending horizontally on the outside of the keeper and adapted to receive and retain the saddle leathers or straps as they pass around and under the elastomeric ring. The vertical deflection force characteristic of the elastomeric ring is preferably at least about 200 pounds per inch.