The Fantasia Saddle - Stirrup

The big stirrups are, besides the tree, the most typical component of the North-African saddle. They are made of iron, and often they are decorated with inlays of silver threads or with ornamental engravings.

They are required because of the traditional manner of riding (see Fantasia page) standing up in the stirrups. As the riders often do not wear boots, but the traditional "babouche" (a kind of scuffs), the big stirrups avoid loss of these shoes.

At the same time, their edges can be used as spurs. The traditional Northafrican spurs were very long, sharp and cruel. In ancient times, they have been necessary for the absolute control of the horse in warfare. Today most riders do not wear spurs, but use the egdes of the stirrups instead.