My horse doesn't like no-stirrups?

So lately my trainer has been in this "ride without stirrups" phase, as she normally goes through many. Anyways recently I got a new horse and she hates riding without stirrups as much as I do. I don't like it but I know it makes me a better rider so I do it a lot. The problem isn't because I'm clinging, or bouncing on her, I found it was she doesn't like the stirrup irons flopping on her sides. So I took them off the saddle and just rode with the stirrup irons and she was fine. But apparantly that isn't safe, so we have to learn to deal with it. I even keep the stirrups so that they are completely ontop of my boots so they aren't touching her but she still feels it. Any suggestions? She has to learn to deal with it because in some shows the judge is going to do no stirrups, somewhere along the line. Thank you.

My horse doesn't like no-stirrups?
I don't think that I would do anything that I couldn't do in the show ring. If you are allowed to cross them in front of you in the show ring, then go for it...but if you check with the rules or a qualified judge and are informed that you cannot do that, then I suggest that you and your horse tough it out until he/she gets used to it. You wouldn't want to eliminate the bumping of the irons during practice, then for the real thing, oops, you are at quite a disadvantage. I always tried to live by this rule when training: Don't use anything for over a couple of weeks that you can't take into the show ring with you. Not a bad rule to go by. (As a personal note, I think that riding bareback and/or without stirrups/irons is overrated)
Reply:I tend to cross mine over the front of the saddle so they are resting on the horse's shoulders. That way it's not hard to switch back and forth if I need to. I can't see how riding without stirrups attached to your saddle would be unsafe though- certainly not any less safe than riding bareback. I personally think it's safer to have them completely off the saddle than dangling there at the side, because what if the horse kicked up with a back foot at a fly and caught it's leg in the flopping stirrup? Then you've got yourself one really nasty situation. But if you have to have them on, just criss cross them in front of the saddle. It might not be the best thing for your leathers, but it seems to work fine for me. They don't bounce around a whole lot but they do kind of rub the shoulder a little bit.
Reply:Cross the stirrups infront of you so they dot flap around. or just take them off even if it is more awkward
Reply:Maybe to get her used to it in a controlled situation, lunge her with the saddle on and stirrups down. Try not to let her take off or go crazy but do this and when she starts to calm down or seem less concerned about them reward her by letting her stop. Maybe try this at the end of a ride so she will be more tired and less likely to get upset. This way you are not on the horse. I know that if you are in an eq class and the judge asks you to drop your irons you will not be able to cross them in front of the saddle. I have seen a judge ask riders to drop and pick them up while posting so there is no way you would be able to cross them in front of you. Also maybe just start out hand walking her with the stirrups down around the arena. Some horse have really sensitive sides.
Reply:If you are riding english, lay them across the saddle in front of you.
Reply:When you ride without stirrups, you should always cross them to prevent them banging around. Pull the buckles down about 6 inches and then you twist the leather so that it lays flat and then cross them over the front of the saddle, across the base of her neck. You can always flip them down quickly if you need them. This was how I was always taught to do it by both my instructor and the Pony Club. Make sure the leather is turned so it lays flat to prevent it rubbing your thighs.
Reply:You can take a small leather strap...or a strap of sorts and just tie the stirrups to the side of your girth...sometimes people do this to train their legs to stay next to the horse. This will prevent the stirrups from flopping all over the place.
Reply:I agree with Lisa M, you should cross your stirrups in front of the saddle (so that the left is hanging over onto the right side of the neck, other way 'round for the right stirrup). Then (as Lisa mentioned), you have your stirrups there in case of emergency even though they'll be a bit long. Try doing some bareback work as well.
Reply:If you cross them over the pommel, pull the buckle down a couple of inches from the stirrup bar first so they don't stick in you. To get her used to them flapping, start with them really short so they are only just below the stirrup flap, and gradualy lengthen them as she gets used to it
Reply:well, although you probably couldn't do this in a show, you can try flipping them over the pommel... like the girl did in this picture





http://www.ucpc.ca/show_jumping_files/im...





the only problem with this is that the leathers kinda stick out and hit your thighs when your posting [you'll see if you try it]... any way.. hope this helps a little [=
Reply:cross them in front of you that way they will not bump your horse..and relax you won't bounce so much
Reply:First, I'd ask your trainer to lunge you...you should not ride alone without stirrups unless you have established a deep seat - and you cannot establish a deep seat without lunging. Additionally, take your leathers and cross them in front of the saddle over the withers, this prevents the irons from flopping on your horse's sides. Most shows I've been in allow you to cross the stirrups when they ask you to ride without stirrups.





But really, you need to lunge. IF your trainer does not do this, get a friend to lunge you several times a week for 20 minutes. You will be amazed at how fast you will develop a deep seat.
Reply:Flip them over the pommel of the saddle.



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