As you’ve probably seen, a new type of stirrup has joined the Freejump range – the Soft’Up Classic, £259.00. Now, there’s a lot of talk surrounding these stirrups and how they are different and this is because they are specially designed for women. With this in mind, we thought we’d give you a brief overview of what’s new and why you are going to fall in love with them.
Developed in partnership with Penelope Leprevost and Italian designer Pininfaria, the Soft'Up Classic provides the ultimate in comfort, safety and technology of a single branch stirrup with the classic eye set parallel to the tread for the first time ever, and is also slightly reduced in size to ensure that female riders get the best possible performance out of their Freejump stirrups.
Parallel eye
The eye is set parallel to the tread, as opposed to the angled eye on the Soft'Up Pro Stirrups. This encourages the tip of the foot to turn inwards. The angled eye has previously been known to feel uncomfortable for certain riders, so this new parallel eye helps to ensure a comfortable position in the stirrups and minimises any chance of joint pain. Not only that, having the parallel eye provides riders with a much more classic look which may be more appealing.
Improved shock absorption
The stainless steel branch's new geometry reduces strain on the stirrup by two-thirds, and relieves pressure on the rider's joints and horse's back. It is three times more cushioning than a traditional stirrup, meaning that the overall performance of the rider has been dramatically improved. Having improved shock absorption means that the overall strain on the horse and rider is kept to a minimum, resulting in recovery times after jumping being significantly reduced.
Quick release and stronger branch
Safety should always be paramount and these new stirrups are one of the safest on the market. The aircraft-grade spring steel branch with very high mechanical strength is 37% more resistant. The flexible outer branch is designed so pressure from the foot opens it to allow the foot to be released in the event of a fall, thus helping to reduce the chance of serious injury. Worried about the stirrups breaking? Freejump offer warranted spring steel inner branch, replacement parts in the case of overuse and free replacement of the flexible branch in the case of a fall – this is all part of Freejump’s ongoing commitment to the safety of riders.
High grip tread
The wide carbon tread features 9 tilted studs for extra security. The supporting surface is 12% bigger to alleviate pressure points in the foot, aiding the rider's overall comfort when out riding. The centre of gravity is set towards the front; thus causing a backwards movement of the tread which encourages the rider to keep their heels down. Encouraging the rider's foot to be kept in the right place is obviously going to increase overall performance but in doing this it helps ensure the rider remains in a balanced position helping to aid the horse's jump.
Extensive range of colours
Now this is the exciting part, with the Classic Stirrups, Freejump have brought out a beautiful new range of colours to suit all different tastes. There are also pearl colour options, which are out of this world and provide you with a very delicate and elegant look. The colour combinations are a lot more subtle than previously and we think this will make them a lot more appealing to riders who prefer the more classical and discreet look.
The available colours are:
Black/Grey
Black/Red
Blue/Navy
Choco/Black
White/Pearl Choco
Pearl Navy/Black
Pearl Light Grey/Pink
Pearl Red/Black
Like what you see? If so you can check out the Freejump Classic stirrups here, or if you’re looking for something different, make sure you take a look at the rest of the Freejump range.
Availability and prices correct at time of publishing.
