A Simple Guide: Why Peacock Stirrups Are Being Banned in Horse Sports

If you’ve spent any time around horses, especially with younger riders, you’ve probably seen “peacock” stirrup irons. These stirrups have a special design with a rubber band and a leather tab on one side, meant to break away if a rider falls, preventing their foot from getting caught.

For a long time, they were considered a great safety feature, particularly for kids. These have been a staple in the pony ring for for child riders for several decades. However, over the years safety has become an issue with the hook and nub design of these irons and the injuries they have caused

But recently, two major equestrian organizations in the United States – the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) and the United States Pony Clubs (USPC) – have announced that they are banning these traditional peacock stirrups. This might seem surprising, so let’s break down why.

What are Peacock Stirrups and How Do They Work?

Imagine a regular stirrup, but instead of a solid outer branch, one side is open. A thick rubber band, held in place by a small leather tab, stretches across this opening, completing the stirrup. The band and tab ar held in place with a metal hook at the top of the branch for the rubber band, and a nub at the bottom of the branch to connect a leather tab that holds the band in place. The idea is that if a rider falls, the force of their foot pushing against the stirrup would pop the rubber band off, allowing their foot to release easily.

The Problem: A Hidden Danger

While the idea behind peacock stirrups was good – to prevent a rider from being dragged by a horse after a fall – a serious problem has emerged over the years. The metal “hook and nub” design where the rubber band and leather tab attach presents a serious safety issue when riders dismount or part company with their equine partners.

Here’s the main issue:

• Injury During Dismount or Partial Fall: Many injuries have been reported where riders, especially children, get caught on the upward-pointing metal hook (where the rubber band usually sits) while sliding down the saddle, either during a normal dismount or a partial fall.
• Clothing and Skin Tears: This hook can snag on clothing (like belts, belt loops, or even stretchy riding pants), ripping it and, in some cases, causing severe lacerations to the rider’s skin, including the abdomen, groin, and genitals. These injuries can be horrific and sometimes require surgery or result in permanent damage.
• Modern Apparel: With more riders wearing stretchy athletic fabrics, the risk of clothing getting caught on these rigid upward projections has increased.

Essentially, while they were designed to release a foot during a full fall, the hook itself has become a new, unexpected hazard during other common riding scenarios. Riders dismount every time they ride, creating a constant, low-level risk that can lead to serious injury.

What Are USEF and USPC Doing?

Both organizations have taken action to protect riders:

• United States Pony Clubs (USPC): The USPC’s ban on peacock stirrups went into effect on January 1, 2025. Their decision came after reviewing firsthand reports of injuries directly linked to these stirrups.
• United States Equestrian Federation (USEF): The USEF’s ban will take effect on December 1, 2025. Their rule prohibits “saddle attachments with rigid upward projection that may catch a rider’s clothing (e.g. peacock stirrups).”

These bans reflect a commitment to rider safety based on real-world incidents and a re-evaluation of what truly makes equipment “safe.”

What Are The Alternative Safety Stirrup Irons For Children?

This ban doesn’t mean all “safety stirrups” are out. In fact, there are many newer designs that offer release mechanisms without the dangerous hook:

• Bowed-Shaped Stirrups: These have a curved shape and often a wider opening at the top, helping with foot placement and release.
• Bent-Arm, Forward-Facing Designs: These stirrups have a bent arm that faces forward, designed for quicker release when pressure is applied in a fall.
• Breakaway Release Mechanisms: Many modern safety stirrups feature a side that breaks open or detaches when pressure is applied, but without an upward-pointing hook that can snag.

While these newer options might be more expensive than traditional peacock stirrups, they address the specific safety concerns that led to the ban.

The ban on peacock stirrups by USEF and USPC is a crucial step towards improving rider safety. While these stirrups were once seen as a good solution, real-world experience has shown they pose a different, serious risk. By understanding why these changes are happening, riders and parents can make informed decisions about their equipment and prioritize the safest options available.