In 2025, the US Equestrian board approved a rule change to limit the type of permissible safety stirrups and saddle attachments allowed in competition. In the course of reviewing existing internal USEF data on accident reports from horse shows, we discovered a small number of accidents in which young riders were seriously harmed by becoming caught on upward-facing, rigid projections while dismounting from their horses. Although these accidents were statistically uncommon, they were significant and are preventable with the selection of certain styles. We believe this change allows members to use a breakaway style stirrup if they prefer while reducing the risk of unintended harm.
These guidelines provide USEF’s position on compliance with GR801.6 only and do not in any way represent any form of official certification or endorsement of a manufacturer or stirrup model.
Applicable USEF Rule
GR801 Exhibitor Safety Equipment
6. Saddle Attachments: Beginning December 1, 2025, no piece of equipment shall be attached to a saddle that has a rigid upward pointing projection, hook, or similar object capable of catching a rider’s clothing or person when dismounting, including stirrups.
For the 2026 competition year, USEF officials will issue a verbal warning for the use of non-compliant stirrups to ensure competitor awareness. No riders are to be withheld from competition due to the presence or use of non-compliant stirrups. Beginning December 1, 2026, the rule will be enforced in the manner outlined within each breed or discipline chapter for the use of prohibited tack or equipment.
Not sure if your stirrups are compliant?
Factors to Consider in Determining Compliance with GR801.6
Considerations when evaluating a stirrup in relation to its permitted use under GR801.6 include:
a. When the release mechanism is not activated, the safety stirrup must have closed branches, or an outside branch with a gap, not to exceed 1.5 cm, that fully aligns with the outside plane of the stirrup, or
b. If the safety stirrup, when the release mechanism is not activated, has an outside branch that is not closed and has a gap, that branch must lie inside the plane of the stirrup
**Please note that if specific breed or discipline chapters in the USEF rulebook have more stringent rules regarding the use of certain stirrups, those more stringent rules prevail.
Specific Stirrup Models Reviewed by US Equestrian
(As of January 2026)
A US Equestrian task force will meet twice annually to review stirrup designs submitted for examination by their manufacturers. The review process is limited to manufacturers requesting a review only.
The following safety stirrups have been reviewed by the task force at the request of the manufacturers.
Determined to be Compliant with GR801.6 (listed in alphabetical order)
- “Air” & “Air Pro” by Wildkart SRL Italy
- “Lily” by Proteq Equestrian
- “Olympia” by Innova Riding (Tech Stirrups)
- “Soft Up Classic” & Soft Up Classic+” by Freejump System/Freejump America
- “VectorFlex” recently redesigned by LeMieux
- “Venice” by Tech Stirrups
Determined to be Non-Compliant with GR801.6 (listed in alphabetical order)
- “Karben Ultra Grip FX” by Shires Equestrian
- “Ophena S Pro” by Ophena
- **Please note that the Ophena S Pro stirrup is allowed for para equestrian use provided the athlete has obtained and filed a dispensation certificate naming the stirrup as adaptive equipment.
- **The Ophena S Pro stirrup is permitted for use by the FEI in Jumping, Para Dressage and Endurance, but their use is restricted to FEI classes only.
Manufacturers have been provided with recommendations for amending stirrup design to remedy the non-compliance issues found.
Manufacturers wanting to have a stirrup model reviewed by the USEF Stirrup Review Panel can do so by completing the submission application accessed by clicking on the link below.