A Glimpse into Nettles Stirrups: Where Quality Meets Innovation
Welcome, friends, to the fascinating world of Nettles Stirrups. Nestled between the bustling cities of Houston and Dallas, lies the home of these stirrups, an embodiment of premium materials, exceptional craftsmanship, and attention to every tiny detail.
These aren't just any stirrups; they're a result of years of experience, innovation, and an unyielding commitment to improving the riding experience.
The Birthplace of Nettles Stirrups
The birth of Nettles Stirrups is an interesting tale. The story begins on a ranch, under the watchful eye of Hall of Fame Cutting Horse trainer, Ronnie Nettles. This ranch is the beating heart of a vibrant equine community, a place where spectators can watch Ronnie train horses, see dogs in action, or even partake in a riding lesson. You might even be tempted to try a cutting horse lesson or make a new equine friend to bring home!
The ranch is also the origin of Nettles Stirrups, each carefully constructed with attention to detail and quality. After seeing how these stirrups are made, you can wander through "Nettles Country Store," a delightful treasure trove of high-quality tack, home decor, and of course, the renowned Nettles Stirrups and Gala’s books. Don't forget to take a look at the fantastic western pieces, many of them crafted right on the ranch.
Gala and Ronnie Nettles have dedicated decades to the equine industry. With Ronnie's experience in training horses and Gala's contributions to the literature of the industry, they bring a wealth of knowledge to the table. Around thirty-eight years ago, Ronnie designed the Nettles laminated oak stirrup, and thus, Nettles Stirrups was born.
The Secret to Nettles Stirrups Success: The Leveler
Over the years, Nettles Stirrups has managed to outdo itself with the invention of the patented Leveler. With this free-moving stainless system, riders can now focus entirely on their ride rather than worry about any discomfort or pain. This clever design resolves the problem of ankle or knee pain caused by stirrup leathers hanging slightly unleveled.
By replacing the roller in a stirrup’s throat, the Leveler ensures that the stirrup remains level with your foot at all times, which reduces discomfort and increases stability.
This ingenious innovation not only mitigates pain and enhances balance, but it also prevents the rider from losing a stirrup. The Leveler facilitates forward, backward, and side-to-side stirrup movement, providing an improved, smoother riding experience. In fact, it enhances the rider's performance and benefits the horse too.
The Crafting of Nettles Stirrups
Each pair of Nettles Stirrups begins as quality logs, carefully selected to guarantee clean wood. This wood is then cut into laminates and glued together in a layering process that lends strength and absorbs the impact of riding, thereby cushioning the rider's hips, knees, and feet. Depending on the line of stirrups, four to six laminates are used in the construction, each graded five times during the process.
Every detail counts, from the steeper bend in the stirrup that increases comfort to the unique tread structure that helps balance the rider's foot. The highest quality leather, double steel rollers, and brass or chrome nuts are used, all brought together with innovative machinery designed by Ronnie Nettles himself.
Addressing Rider's Concerns with Nettles Stirrups
Nettles Stirrups are more than just functional; they are designed with the rider's comfort and needs in mind. Whether it's preventing boot scuffs, eliminating side foot pressure, alleviating foot fatigue, or reducing shin discomfort, Nettles Stirrups has got it covered. Thanks to their unique structure, they help riders sit firmly in the saddle and maintain balance.
Moreover, Nettles Stirrups understands that each rider is unique and offers four different widths in its premier line. They also offer four sizes to cater to every rider's preference. And if you have a specific design in mind, they can custom-make stirrups to address your particular riding needs.
Safety Comes First with Nettles Stirrups
Nettles Stirrups prioritizes safety above all. The choice of the best quality oak logs, elimination of veneers or soft woods, and the use of a double steel roller ensure superior strength and durability. The Nettles Oxbow Stirrup, with its wider middle, allows for a quick exit in case of an unexpected dismount. In extreme circumstances, if a horse falls hard, the stirrup can break, freeing you from the saddle. With all these safety features and more, you can trust that Nettles Stirrups are crafted with your protection in mind.
Most Popular Nettles Stirrups
Get ready for some down-home stirrup goodness as we dive into the world of Nettles Stirrups. Known for their unique designs, Nettles Stirrups sure knows how to keep riders comfortable while still looking fabulous in the saddle. Let's check out their top styles:
The Flatbottom
Also known as Bell by some, this stirrup is designed for versatile use. Be it performance, ranching, or trail riding, Flatbottom's got you covered.
Its wider base ensures your boot sits comfortably on the tread, free from any obstruction by the stirrup sides. Plus, a slight rise—much like an arch in a shoe—assists in setting your foot for a comfortable ride.
Made with six pieces of laminated oak, this stirrup promises extra strength. And with high-quality leather pin covers and treads, you'll log plenty of rides before needing a re-tread.
Comes in petite or regular sizes and 2", 3", and 4" tread widths. Customise it further with a range of finishing options.
Pro Tip: The wider base of the Flatbottom makes it perfect for longer rides. The additional support reduces foot fatigue, letting you stay in the saddle for that much longer!
The Barrel Racer
This stirrup is like the perfect pair of boots—comfortable and stylish. It's designed with a wide middle and cut-away sides to allow excellent in-and-out foot access, perfect for barrel racing.
The shorter pin-to-tread length places the stirrup's throat closer to the ankle, reducing shin pressure. Plus, the six wooden laminates offer extra strength.
The Barrel Racer offers two types of treads: a leather tread and a non-skid gripper tread.
To keep up with your style, it's available in a western varnish or stain finish. For those who like a little bling and colour, check out the newly distressed coloured Nettles Barrel Racers.
Available in regular and petite sizes and 2" & 3" tread widths.
Pro Tip: The cut-away sides on the Barrel Racer provide quick in-and-out foot access. This feature is a game-changer in events like barrel racing where seconds count!
The Halfbreed
This stirrup is a Godsend for those who prefer the slender sides and tread of an oxbow but want the benefits of a flat bottom stirrup.
Its wider opening through the middle—measuring at 5 3/8 inches—allows better in-and-out foot access. This feature, inherited from its Oxbow relative, makes it perfect for someone with a wider foot.
The 6-piece laminated stirrup measures 5 1/2 inches in height and offers slimmer sides for a less constricted feel.
Comes with various tread width sizes, allowing you to pick the one that feels best to you.
Pro Tip: If you like the aesthetic of an Oxbow but have wider feet, the Halfbreed offers the perfect solution. Its wider opening accommodates broader feet without sacrificing the classic Oxbow look.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, Nettles Stirrups is all about comfort, functionality, and style. It's their unique approach to design and understanding of riders' needs that sets them apart in the world of equestrian gear. Remember, folks, a good stirrup can make a world of difference in your riding experience!
Richard Sutherland
RichardSutherland@bitsnspurs.orgRichard is a western lifestyle author for Bits N' Spurs, the weekly newsletter that keeps pace with today's rodeo. His articles are featured on dozens of rodeo and Western related websites and provide a window to the world of cowboy culture.