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TEST LAB High-Tech Stirrups For A Modern Ride We test out six different state-of-the- art styles to find out what works, what doesn't, and what's right for you. By S A R A L I E SE R This particular piece of equipment isn't usually the first thing you notice when a rider gallops by on cross- country, but the Lorenzini Aluminum/ Titanium stirrups, in their array of eye- popping colors, are hard to miss. For all that "tradition" is one of the most oft-repeated words in the horse world, I was drawn to these stir- rups for their bright hues and futuristic look. I probably wouldn't choose pink or blue for dressage, but they also come in more staid options like black, dark gray and aluminum for disciplines where loud color is discouraged. But these stirrups are far more than a fun fashion accessory. Made from titanium and aluminum, they offer exceptional strength and durability in a lightweight package. Combine that with an almost triangular arch to guarantee resistance to twisting, and regaining a lost stirrup is twice as easy with the Lorenzinis as opposed to their heavier counterparts. You're also less likely to lose your stirrup in the first place thanks to their design. The wide footstep provides a stable base of support, and the knurled titanium tread increases friction, keeping your foot right where it belongs. The slight angle to the footbed also provides just a touch of positioning help. I stepped into these stirrups for the first time for a jumping lesson and immediately fell in love. They combine stability and function with a sense of fun—just my style. Available in black, dark gray, silver (aluminum), red, pink, green, orange, blue, yellow, brown and purple. Sug- gested retail is $270. lorenzinistir- rups.com. Technology has improved markedly since stirrups were first used in Asia more than 2,000 years ago, but only in recent years have manufacturers of English riding irons picked up on the fact that, with modern design and materials, there's no good reason for your stirrup to hang parallel to the horse's side. Yes, we've all learned the twisting motion necessary to stick your toe into a normal fillis stirrup and position it perpendicular to the horse. But what if this tricky, twisting maneuver wasn't required? What if you could mount up and pick up your stirrups simply by sliding your foot forward in the direction it should go? Then you could go about your ride without ever having to focus on keep- ing the leather and iron facing front. And if you lost a stirrup, how much easier would it be to regain it if your stirrup was always in the "riding" posi- tion instead of flat against your horse? That's the premise behind the MDC stirrups. The original models featured a patented adjustable top, so you could rotate the stirrups 45 or 90 degrees as you chose. While easy to use, they definitely didn't look like a traditional stirrup, something that can For The Rider Who's Hunting For A Stealthy Advantage For The Rider Who's Not Afraid To Stand Out >> Lorenzini Aluminum/Titanium Stirrups >> MDC 'S' Stirrups 22 S U M M E R 2 014 U N TAC K E D

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