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24 S U M M E R 2 014 U N TAC K E D TEST LAB When I first held the Herm Sprenger Bow Balance Stirrups in my hand, I was imme- diately struck by their weight and quality. There's a time and a place for lightweight stirrups, but for me, it's not in the dres- sage ring. I need all the help I can get to encourage my legs to stretch low down my horse's sides rather than creeping up toward jumping position. That's not to say these stirrups are heavy. The folks at Herm Sprenger have actually engineered the weight ratio in the Bow Balance in order to provide better balance and comfort, helping the rider maintain a better leg position. Stepping into the wide-tread, shock- absorbing footbed with its two types of rubber felt downright decadent. It was cushy but firm, gripping my foot gently. I appreciated the four-way flex of these stir- rups, which encouraged my hips, knees and ankles to absorb shock and concus- sion so I could sit more quietly in the saddle. I found them slightly stiffer than the cheap-jointed knockoffs I'm used to riding in, but there was still plenty of give. The bowed shape is another feature that encourages your leg to remain in the correct position while also making it easier to pick up a dropped stirrup. All in all, these felt like the Cadillac of stirrups: elegant, high quality and with just the right features for a luxury riding experience. These stainless steel stirrups come in a natural steel color as well as anthracite and bronze. The footbed is black and blue. Order a size up if you're concerned about fit, as the rubber covering the hinges nar- rows the gap a bit. Recommended retail is $250.90.sprenger.shptron.com. In 1979, Leo Boni founded a company specializing in the design and con- struction of molds for plastic products for the medical, automotive and mo- torcycle sectors. Nine years later he created the Royal Rider brand, which combines Boni's expertise in high- tech plastic with the latest information in stirrup design, safety and comfort. The EVO Action is the newest stirrup in the Evolution series, and it introduces a shock-absorbing suspension system to maximize the rider's comfort and support. There is a spring-and-coil system where you attach the leather, and this adjusts to your weight to help distribute shock and tension throughout the stirrup. Unlike a jointed stirrup, these irons don't flex, providing a stable base of support for jumping. But the extra shock absorbing action can provide cushioning for rider joint stress. For The Rider Who Wants A High-Tech All-Rounder >> Royal Rider EVO Action For The Rider Looking For Lower- Leg Luxury >> Herm Sprenger Bow Balance Stirrups Weighing less than 12 ounces, the EVO Action has a steel and aluminum suspension system that is completely integrated with the high-grade techno poly- mer DuPont body of the stirrup. Regaining a lost stirrup is a piece of cake since these stirrups are so lightweight. The wide treads come with both rubber and stainless steel "cheese grater" foot pads, giving you plenty of traction. I found these to be a workhorse of a stirrup. It took me no time at all to feel comfortable using them. The matte black color meant they were unobtrusive. The wide treads gave me plenty of stability and traction. This is a great all-around stirrup that would work well for any rider, but I would particularly recommend them for jumping. Suggested retail is $189. royal- riderstirrups.com. The Winning Formula for Champions There are no known contraindications to the use of intramuscular Adequan ® i.m. brand Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan in horses. Studies have not been conducted to establish safety in breeding horses. WARNING: Do not use in horses intended for human consumption. Not for use in humans. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children. Caution: Federal law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian. Each 5 mL contains 500 mg Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan. Brief Summary Indications: For the intramuscular treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness of the carpal and hock joints in horses. SEE PRODUCT PACKAGE INSERT FOR FULL PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. Adequan ® is a registered trademark of Luitpold Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ©LUITPOLD PHARMACEUTICALS, INC., Animal Health Division, 2014 Shirley, NY 11967. Image of Adrienne Lyle and Wizard ©Susan J. Stickle is used with permission. AHD025, Iss. 5/2014 Adrienne Lyle and Wizard placed first in the FEI Grand Prix CDI 5* Presented by Diamante Farms at the 2014 Adequan ® Global Dressage Festival Adequan ® IM (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) is the only product approved by the FDA for the treatment of non-infectious degenerative and/or traumatic joint dysfunction and associated lameness in horses. To learn more, visit www.nogenericadequan.com