Effective Dec. 1, 2025, stirrups or saddle attachments with upward-facing, rigid projections at the time of a routine dismount will be disallowed at sanctioned competitions to prevent riders from getting their clothing or person caught during dismounting. Safety stirrups are the most common piece of equipment which will be impacted by this change. Stirrups should be examined for compliance in their non-activated state (meaning any latch or releasing portion of the stirrup has not been triggered). In this state, the stirrup should either have closed branches (meaning there are no gaps in the outside frame of the stirrup) OR, if the branches are not closed and there is a gap in the outline of the stirrup, the gap must not exceed 1.5 cm, or the gapping branch must sit inside the plane of the stirrup so there is no upward-facing, rigid projection. 

This page includes visuals that will help you better understand which styles are compliant and which are not. This is not intended to be a comprehensive review of all permitted or non-permitted styles; USEF is aware that the tack and equipment market is constantly evolving, and new product designs may come on to the market in the future. The illustrations shown in these guidelines are not intended to be a representation of all possible safety stirrup designs. A USEF task force will meet twice a year (in January and June) to review any new designs, and approved designs will be listed on the page at this link. Manufacturers  have the opportunity to submit their product for review to determine compliance with the new rule by completing the Stirrup Design Review Application. Completed forms should be sent to [email protected].

The idea for this rule change was suggested by a member. 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.

It is important to note that USEF has decided to implement a staggered approach to enforcement of the new rule to ensure awareness and understanding. From Dec. 1, 2025 to Nov. 30, 2026, officials will issue verbal warnings for non-compliant stirrups to help members recognize problematic designs. Starting Dec.1, 2026, officials will enforce this rule as they would any other requirement for tack and equipment. If you have questions about your stirrup or saddle attachments, please check in with a licensed official at your next competition. You can also review the guidelines provided to officials regarding enforcement here.

Not necessarily. There are a range of permitted safety stirrup styles at a variety of price points via multiple online retailers, including many under $100. 

No. If a para rider has a specific stirrup designated in their para dispensation certification, that overrides general and discipline rule changes.