Stirrup Leather Guide


Suitable stirrup leathers are responsible in great part for the comfort of the rider so it is worth taking some time to consider which type you would like to use with your TCS. You can use regular leathers with buckles that you might have already, and the TCS does come with a little slit to keep the excess length of the leathers away from your leg, but many TCS owners find our TCS Webbers T-bar stirrup leathers to work well with the TCS. They are flatter and therefore less bulk under the thigh. 

The stirrup bars are set much lower on the TCS than a regular tree'd saddle or saddle pads with stirrup attachments. You will find that your regular length of stirrup is likely to be 4-5 holes too low because of this. 

We find riders 5ft to 5ft6 in height generally find the 22"-24" leathers are the best length for them (but this does depend on your inside leg) and how long you ride. The 24" leathers will give a drop of between 15" to 20".  For example, the 24" leathers would be perfect for an inside leg of 77cm / 30.5 inches 

Functional length range

20" drop 13" to 17"

22"  drop 14" to 18"

24" drop 15" to 20"

26" drop 17" to 23"

28" drop 19" to 25"


How to set up and adjust the TCS Webbers T-bar stirrup leathers

Many riders find normal stirrups to be uncomfortable under their thighs. This why we sell the TCS Webbers, in black and brown to match you TCS. Follow this guide to adjust yours:

When you first get your TCS Webbers, lift the TCS toggle to reveal the T-bar:

A picture of the TCS stirrup leathers with the toggles pulled up, revealing the T-bar attachement

Next, twist the T-Bar until it lines up with the slit and you are able to pull out the T-bar:

Close up of the T-bar attacement on the TCS stirrup leather
Adjust the T-bar to the length you want, re-insert T-bar and twist to secure in place. Then, slide the TCS toggle back down to protect your leg from the T-bar and to prevent from it accidentally coming undone:
A close up of the toggle on the TCS webbers stirrup leathers

How to set up stirrup leathers on your Total Contact Saddle

To put your stirrup leathers, Webbers or other, lift the top flap of your TCS to find the stirrup bar and slide the top loop of the leathers in. Don't forget to set up your Swing bar stirrup bar correctly to ensure your leathers don't slide out. You're all set to ride!
A close up of the Swing stirrup bar on a Classic Jet black TCS saddle