From the "Interesting Products I Should Try" file comes OnTyte, a magnetic stirrup system that works with a special boot sole to keep your foot connected to the stirrup. Before I go any farther, I will say that your foot isn't glued in, nor is it a magnet akin to the Wile E. Coyote version from "Roadrunner," that would lift you through the Grand Canyon. Quite simply, the connection breaks as soon as the angle is challenged.
Nothing says panic like losing a stirrup at a critical moment, does it big mound at Kentucky? As if jumping something at the top and galloping off of you weren't intimidating enough, doing it with only one stirrup because I was riding a bottle rocket just made it even more awesome and panicky. I think the mental confidence that comes from being secure does a lot to promote balance and stability, and as someone also invested in body mechanics I definitely think the old standard cry from the rail bird coach to "Sink into your heels," is a misdirection. Dorsiflexion decreases the angle of the ankle and actually lifts the toe, making it more difficult to keep the foot in the stirrup. Pressing through the ball of the foot and using the calf to secure the connection - while focusing on the position of YOUR PELVIS - is the name of the upright game.
OnTyte is USEF approved for show-jumping and eventing. I'm excited about giving them a try. Who cares if I'm 40 when it happens ... one day I'm going to have a show-jumping picture with my leg in a secure position and not mimicking Superman!
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