Equitation Stirrup Rule Update

When the new stirrup rule was announced for equitation riders, there were many unanswered questions regarding what exactly was meant by the rule and how judges would interpret it. Now that the rule has been in effect for a few months, some more information is starting to emerge. There is still confusion and the rules seem to be interpreted differently between Canada and the United States, but at least there are now some clues available.

The American rule is worded as follows:

EQ110 Appointments

4. The use of stirrups that have entirely black branches is not permitted in any Equitation class. The use of stirrups which have entirely black branches will automatically result in elimination.

The Canadian rule reads:

ARTICLE G1005 TACK AND EQUIPMENT

5. [...] Only silver-coloured stirrups are permitted in equitation or 

medal classes. Use of black or coloured stirrups will incur elimination.*

The American rule is clear on the point that stirrups with small amounts of black on them, such as stainless steel jointed stirrup irons with black joints, are permitted. This has been confirmed by Dover Saddlery, who received this statement from Lauren Fahey, the Director of Hunter Affiliates, USEF: "The rule will apply to stirrups that are entirely black, such as the composite stirrups sometimes used in show jumping. Stirrups with black rubber on the branches that cover a portion of the stainless steel will still be allowed for use in equitation when the new rule takes effect."

There have been reports of judges in the US eliminating riders for stirrup irons that they consider to be too dark, however, even if the stirrups are not actually black. This has occurred with composite stirrups that were marketed as a good choice for the equitation ring. The safest choice is therefore to either spray paint composite stirrups silver if only dark products are available, or to use a silver-coloured aluminum stirrup or traditional stainless steel stirrup iron (jointed or regular).

In Canada, while the competition season has yet to get into full swing (leaving us waiting to hear how the rule will actually be implemented at shows), apparently the Equine Canada Rules Committee has said that stainless steel stirrup irons with black joints will not be permitted in equitation classes at EC shows. Peacock-style safety stirrups with black elastics will still be permitted

It is not clear whether jointed stirrups with grey joints will be permitted, but I suspect that they will be allowed since the colour is close to silver and the rule is not worded against using jointed stirrups in the equitation ring.

To summarize:

For US equitation classes:

- You may not use stirrups with branches that are entirely black

- You may use silver jointed stirrup irons with black joints

- You risk elimination if you use composite stirrups that are not black, but still dark in colour

For Canadian equitation classes:

- You may not use stirrups that are not silver in colour

- You may not use silver jointed stirrup irons with black joints

- Any colour other than silver, even if metallic, puts you at risk of elimination

*Update to the update:

Jump Canada has released a clarification to make the rule more specific.

G1005.5 will now read:
"Stirrup irons must not be affixed to the rider's foot or boot in any manner. To facilitate the judge's view of the rider's foot position, black or coloured stirrups (other than silver/grey) or stirrups with black or coloured branches are not permitted and, if used, will incur elimination."

G1102.3 will now read:
"To facilitate the judge's view of the rider's foot position, black or coloured stirrups (other than silver/grey) or stirrups with black or coloured branches are not permitted and, if used, will incur elimination."

So grey joints are definitely permissible in Canada, which was also confirmed to me by someone in the know. The rule is still not completely clear on black joints, but I would continue to avoid them based on previous comments from Equine Canada.