Kids Safety Stirrups | Which One is Right for Your Child?

As a parent, you want your child to ride safely and confidently. A safety stirrup is essential for that. But which one do you choose? There are many different models on the market — each with their own features regarding shoe size, weight and safety mechanism. In this article we help you make the right choice for your child.

Why does a child need a safety stirrup?

With a regular stirrup, the foot can get caught in case of a fall, putting a child at risk of being dragged. A safety stirrup has a special mechanism that releases the foot instantly in a fall. For children this is especially important as they have less experience and are more likely to unexpectedly come off their horse or pony.

What should you look for when choosing kids safety stirrups?

When choosing the right safety stirrup for a child, two factors are crucial: shoe size AND weight. These two must always be considered together — and this is exactly where many parents go wrong.

Shoe size

The stirrup must be wide enough for the foot to release easily in a fall, but not so wide that the foot slips through. As a rule of thumb: the stirrup should be approximately 1 cm wider than the shoe on each side.

Weight of the child

Many safety stirrups have a specific weight range. The safety mechanism is calibrated to a certain weight. If a child is too light for the stirrup, the mechanism may not open properly in a fall.

Large shoe size but light weight? Pay extra attention!

This is a situation we see regularly: a child with shoe size EU 39 but weighing only 30 kg. You might think: I'll get an adult stirrup. But that is not always the right choice — and can even be dangerous.

The arms of an adult safety stirrup are calibrated for a heavier weight. For a child weighing under 35 kg, these arms may not open easily enough in a fall. The safety mechanism then does not work optimally — and that is exactly what it is all about.

In that case we recommend the Tech Stirrups Venice — this stirrup has no weight restriction and always opens in a fall, regardless of how light the rider is.

Quick overview: which stirrup for my child?

• Shoe size up to EU 35 + light weight – Tech Stirrups Venice Children or Inova Olympia Kids
• Shoe size up to EU 36-37 + under 40 kg – Flexon Safe-On Junior
• Shoe size EU 37+ + under 35 kg – Tech Stirrups Venice (no weight restriction)
• Beginners & youngest riders – Flexon Green Composite Junior with cage

Which kids safety stirrups do we sell at Ridershouse?

Flex-on Green Composite Junior – €100

The perfect starter stirrup for children just beginning to ride. The Green Composite Junior has a special cage to prevent the foot from sliding through — extra safe for the youngest riders. The inclined footbed and grip insert ensure a stable and correct leg position from the very start. Suitable for children up to 40 kg and shoe size EU 36.

Flex-on Safe-On Junior – from €170

The smaller version of the popular adult Safe-On — resized for young riders up to 40 kg and shoe size EU 36-37. The shock-absorbing Flex-on system is specially adapted to the young rider's body. In case of a fall, the outer arm opens automatically releasing the foot instantly.

Extra fun: the Safe-On Junior is fully customizable. Choose from 9 frame colours, 17 shock absorber colours, 16 arm colours and 150 magnet sticker designs. Make it as unique as your child!

Tech Stirrups Venice Children – €282

Specially designed for the youngest riders up to shoe size EU 35. The Venice Children has the widest opening on the market for maximum safety in a fall. The sloped pad helps keep heels down — essential for good technique. Suitable for both dressage and jumping and cross-country.

Does your child have a larger shoe size but weighs less than 35 kg? Then the regular Tech Stirrups Venice is the best choice — this stirrup has no weight restriction and always opens in a fall.

Inova Olympia Kids – €205

Our exciting new addition for 2025 — crafted in Italy with the same premium quality as our adult lines. Suitable for shoe size EU 35 or smaller. The innovative movable outer arm releases the foot instantly in a fall and automatically returns to its closed position — safe for both rider and horse.

Make it extra special by having your child's name or initials laser-printed on the stirrup. Up to 10 characters in two font styles. A wonderful gift for a young rider!

Are safety stirrups compulsory for children?

Safety stirrups are not legally required, but are strongly recommended by virtually all riding schools and equestrian associations for children. Many riding schools even make them mandatory. For children we always recommend using a safety stirrup — it is a small investment with a big impact on safety.

Can I try kids safety stirrups at Ridershouse?

Absolutely! In our store in Lemelerveld, the Netherlands, you can view and try all kids safety stirrups. We also have test stirrups available so you can feel exactly which stirrup fits best. Not sure which stirrup suits your child? Contact us via WhatsApp — our experts are happy to help with personal advice on the right combination of shoe size and weight.

Conclusion: the right stirrup for your child

When choosing a safety stirrup for children, it always comes down to the combination of shoe size AND weight. Don't just look at the foot — also consider how much your child weighs. Only then can you be sure that the safety mechanism works optimally in a fall.

At Ridershouse we are happy to help you make the right choice. Visit us in Lemelerveld, chat via WhatsApp or order directly online. Because safe riding starts with the right equipment.