This might sound really stupid but I can't seem to find the answer anywhere. So I bought a saddle and I have to wrap the leathers when I test ride it. People keep saying socks but I don't understand. Wouldn't you have to cut the bottom of the sock to get it around? And couldn't the sock slip down and the leather could rub anyway? Pictures would be nice. I'm a very visual person.
And please don't say vet wrap or anything unless you can tell me exactly how to wrap them with it!
Angela2010-02-11T19:22:49Z
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I have used Saran Wrap - it's cheap and you can probably find it in your kitchen already. Just wrap it round and round over the stirrup leathers until all the leather is covered. For even more protection, you can cut a hole in the bottom of a long tube sock and slide it over the leathers. To hold the sock on, wrap it tighly around with your SaranWrap.
Or you could just test ride the saddle with no stirrups. Riding without stirrups is good for your position anyway.
Here's a couple photos of how you wrap the stirrups: http://i942.photobucket.com/albums/ad264/ang_rary/DSC01867.jpg http://i942.photobucket.com/albums/ad264/ang_rary/stirrups001.jpg
Yes, you do have to cut a hole in the bottom of the sock to slide the leather through, and then you attach the leather to the saddle. It doesn't slide down because the weight of the stirrup iron (and then your leg) holds the leather against the flap, pinning the sock in between. Just try it! You'll see!
I think vet wrap and it's pretty simple really. Just candy cane wrap it down the leather all the way to the stirrup. Also give it a good cleaning and conditioning before giving it back, in case of any marks.