stirrups

Stirrups are devices attached to a saddle by a strap, forming a loop in which a rider places the foot. They provide support, balance, and leverage for mounting and for guiding a horse. Modern stirrups are usually metal or composite, with a tread, a leather or synthetic strap, and buckles or quick-release mechanisms. English stirrups typically have a straight or slightly curved tread; Western stirrups are broader and used with lighter fenders. Safety features include breakaway or quick-release straps and designed tapering to reduce the risk of the foot becoming trapped during a fall.

Stirrups originated in Asia and spread to Europe in the early Middle Ages, with their introduction widely cited as transforming cavalry by improving stability and control while riding in armor. Early forms were wooden or cast metal, evolving into the modern production of lightweight alloy or composite components. Their design has also influenced boot-and-saddle fashion and riding technique.

In civil engineering, the term stirrup refers to a U-shaped reinforcement of steel placed around main bars to resist shear and cracking in concrete members. Stirrup spacing and size are determined by structural requirements and codes. In anatomy, the term is used descriptively because the stapes bone in the middle ear resembles a stirrup, though this usage is descriptive rather than functional in this context.