No Stirrup November: Saddle Up for Strength (and Safety)

Every November, equestrians around the world take part in a beloved (and sometimes dreaded) tradition: No Stirrup November. Whether you ride English or Western, this is your chance to build balance, leg strength, and confidence, all while deepening your connection with your horse.

But before you drop those irons and start posting like a pro, let’s talk about safety, your horse’s comfort, and how to get the most out of this challenge.

Why Riders Go Stirrup-Free

Riding without stirrups isn’t just a test of bravery (though it can feel that way). It’s a time-honored way to:

Improve balance and seat stability:

Without stirrups, your core and legs do all the work, teaching you to move with your horse instead of against them.

Strengthen muscles

Expect to feel the burn, in a good way! Riders develop stronger thighs, calves, and core muscles that make for a quieter, more effective ride once the stirrups return.

Boost confidence

Learning to stay centered and secure builds trust in yourself and your horse.

Even the best riders use no-stirrup work to refine their feel. Think of it as cross-training for both your mind and body, no gym membership required.

Safety First: How to Ride Smart

Going stirrup-free doesn’t mean throwing caution to the wind. Here are a few reminders to keep it safe and productive:

Warm up first.

Loosen up your horse and yourself before dropping stirrups.  This is also kinder to your horse’s back.

Start slow.

Begin at the walk and trot/jog before attempting the canter/lope.

Stay in control.

If your horse feels tense or unbalanced, go back to stirrups — this is about progress, not pain. 

Ride in a safe environment.

Use a well-fitted saddle, ride in an enclosed area, and let someone know what you’re doing. Best not to try this on the windiest fall day or when you have snow falling off the roof of your indoor arena! Set yourself and your horse up for success!

Use the lunge line. 

If you are new to the no stirrups thing, ask your instructor to give you a lunge line lesson to try it the first few times!  Then you can focus on getting used to the feel without having to worry about steering and controlling your horse as much at the same time!

Consider your horse.

Some horses are very tolerant of no stirrup work and other more sensitive ones are not.  Make sure your steed is suitable for the task.

Take the stirrups off your saddle entirely or cross them properly. 

Some horses appreciate the stirrups being taken off the saddle so they are not banging around on their sides or on their shoulders.  If you choose to leave them on and “cross” them, be sure to use the proper method and pull the buckles down first before crossing them over the horse’s withers in front of the pommel.

Set realistic goals. 

Medal/Maclay riders, for example, may regularly jump 3’6” without their stirrups as they may be asked to do that in a horse show setting.  Their goals are very different than a novice rider riding without stirrups for the first time! Even riding without them at the walk can be beneficial.  Don’t over do it or expect too much when you start.  Ask your trainer for help and suggestions along the way!

Remember that safety isn’t just about you, it’s about your horse too.

Protecting Your Horse’s Back

Without stirrups, riders can sometimes bounce more than they mean to. That extra movement can put strain on a horse’s back, especially if the horse isn’t conditioned for it. Keep your partner happy with these tips:

Mind your balance.

Focus on a soft, following seat that moves with your horse’s rhythm.

Use shorter sessions.

A few minutes of no-stirrup work is better than overdoing it.

Check your saddle fit.

A well-balanced saddle distributes weight evenly — critical when your position shifts.

Watch for soreness.

Pay attention to signs like pinned ears, reluctance to move forward, or back tenderness after a ride.

Your horse’s comfort should always come first. If they’re telling you something feels off, listen.

The Benefits Go Beyond November

You might start No Stirrup November as a challenge, but the rewards last year-round. Better balance, stronger legs, improved communication — all these things make you a more empathetic, effective rider. And your horse will thank you for it (probably in nickers and soft eyes rather than words).

So whether you’re trotting circles, hacking out on trails, or just sitting deep at the walk, remember: no-stirrup work isn’t about perfection. It’s about partnership.

Ride smart, ride kind, and celebrate every wobbly, wonderful stride.  Join the discussion on TurnoutHQ for more chatter about stirrups and riding with or without them!

Sources

• American Association of Professional Farriers, “Rider Fitness and Its Impact on Horse Welfare,” 2023.
• United States Pony Clubs, “No-Stirrup Work: Safety and Skill Development,” 2024.
• The Chronicle of the Horse, “No Stirrup November: Why, How, and When to Ditch the Irons,” 2023.