Stirrups: From Ancient Innovation to Modern Jewellery

The stirrup ranks among the most influential innovations in the history of warfare, nearly on par with the invention of gunpowder. Following the chariot and the saddle, it represents the third major breakthrough in the development of riding equipment. By providing the rider with greater stability, stirrups reduce the likelihood of falling and allow the hands to remain freer for other tasks. Considering that horses were domesticated around 4500 B.C.E., stirrups emerged surprisingly late. Early saddle-like gear consisted of simple cloths or pads, often fitted with breast straps and cruppers, as seen in Assyrian cavalry around 700 B.C.E. The first known form of a stirrup was a toe loop designed to support the big toe, used in India in the late second century B.C.E., though similar devices may have existed as early as 500 B.C.E.

Antique South American sterling silver sidesaddle slipper stirrup

Well, those ladies’ stirrups do look absolutely gorgeous, but can’t help wondering what they’d be like to handle, and to clean, after a few hours of riding along muddy roads and across wet fields! A modern stirrup looks very different. It’s simple, safe and practical. The shape is classic and instantly recognizable, and it’s widely used in all kinds of equestrian-inspired design: jewellery, textile prints, home décor products and more. Of course, we wanted to include this beautiful shape in our collection as well. First came the earrings Ibere.

The horsehair ribbon, 3 mm wide, is woven, and the metal parts are made of silver, gold, or white gold. The height of an earring is approx. 32 mm, and the width of the stirrup is 14 mm.  Earrings needed a matching bracelet. The bracelet is called Riamon.

. The woven ribbon is 6 mm wide and, of course, made from your own horse’s tail hair. These jewellery pieces are perfect for showing your love for your favourite hobby

— and your horse.