Acavallo Arena Aluplus 2.0 Stirrups

Hang the stirrups up like ordinary stirrups, with the arm that opens on the outside of your leg, and check over the first rides whether the arm still locks neatly. Rinse them after a ride on a sand surface or in mud, even though the openings in the tread let sand through: the locking mechanism is the part you want to keep clean. Wipe them dry before you put them away, and the aluminium around the moving parts stays free of grains of sand. If you ride on a loose sand surface, that is where you notice the use of the open structure most. If you ride mostly on grass or on firm ground, the open structure matters less and you will choose more on the incline and the hard tread.

Choose the Arena Aluplus 2.0 if you want a metal safety stirrup that stays firmly under your foot: dressage, showjumping, eventing and daily work at the yard. It suits riders above all who ride a lot on sand and have had enough of a tread that fills up with grit. If you would rather have a stirrup that gives a little and feels less rigid, the Acavallo Rel-X 180 from the same range is the more logical choice: it is built partly from flexible polymers and its arm rotates 180 degrees, so that according to Acavallo it also comes free forwards and backwards. If you are mainly after a finish that stands out, look rather at the Samshield Shield’Rup in pink gold. And if wear of the tread is your worry, know that a separate replacement tread for this model is in the range.

Slide the stirrup leather through the eye and hang the stirrups up with the arm that opens on the outside of your leg. Before every ride, check that this arm is neatly locked and that it opens without catching. After sand or mud, rinse with water, paying attention to the locking mechanism, and wipe the stirrups dry before you put them away. A separate care instruction Acavallo does not publish for this model.

How does the release mechanism of the Arena Aluplus 2.0 work?

The stirrup has a patented side opening. The locking and release mechanism opens just above the tread and the opening mechanism itself sits on the upper part of the stirrup, where according to Acavallo less grit stays behind. The manufacturer gives no force or angle at which the arm gives way.

What are the openings in the tread for?

They keep sand and dirt from settling in the tread. The hold therefore stays the same in different conditions. Acavallo names that as one of the reasons for this design.

What material is this stirrup made of?

The arch is anodised aluminium, the tread stainless steel. Acavallo picks the stainless steel for its resistance to corrosion.

How much does the Arena Aluplus 2.0 weigh?

Acavallo publishes no weight for this model. The dimensions of the tread are not in the official specifications either. For the Rel-X 180 from the same range Acavallo does give a weight.

What is the difference from the Rel-X 180?

The Arena Aluplus 2.0 is all metal and feels rigid. The Rel-X 180 is moulded partly from flexible polymers, is less rigid and has an arm that rotates 180 degrees, so that according to Acavallo it also comes free in a fall forwards or backwards.

Can I replace the tread when it is worn?

For this model a separate replacement tread is in Maddelin's range. Exactly how the part is fitted, Acavallo does not document on its own site.

Which disciplines is this stirrup meant for?

Acavallo does not tie the model to one discipline. In practice you use it in dressage, showjumping, eventing and daily work. For competition, always check your federation's rules.

• All-metal safety stirrup from Acavallo with a patented side opening.
• Arch made of anodised aluminium.
• Stainless steel tread with continuous horizontal openings against sand and dirt.
• The locking mechanism opens just above the tread; the opening mechanism sits on the upper part.
• Tread set at five degrees.
• At Maddelin in black; separate replacement tread in the range.
• Weight, dimensions and country of manufacture not specified by Acavallo.