Freejump Soft’Up Pro 2 Stirrups

Hang the stirrups with the open outer branch facing outwards and ride them in for a week before you go to a show; the angled eye lets your foot drop in faster than you are used to. Check the studs after a couple of months: flattened points are the moment to replace them, before your boot starts to slip. If you work a lot on grass or in mud, brush the sole out after every ride, because dirt between the studs makes the pattern shallower. Let the stirrups air-dry instead of putting them away wet, and check now and then that the pin and the bottom cap are still tight.

This stirrup is there for riders who jump courses or ride cross-country and want the current generation, with a shoe size from EU 37. It does the same job in your daily schooling. If you ride mainly dressage, or want a straight eye and a straight leg position, Freejump's Soft'Up Classic suits you better; for a classic closed stirrup for dressage and hunter the Air Pure is the model. For a young rider or a foot up to size 39 there is the Soft'Up Lite. And if you are after the same build in the previous generation, the Soft'Up Pro Plus is the choice, as long as it is still around.

Slide the stirrup leather through the open eye and hang the stirrups with the outer branch facing outwards. Before every ride, run through the leather, the movement of the outer branch, the pin and the studs. For cleaning Freejump prescribes: work the sole over with a slightly damp stiff brush, wipe the other parts with warm water and a soft cloth, and let the stirrups dry in the open air. For repairs the manufacturer refers you to its own repair service.

What is new compared with the Soft'Up Pro Plus?

The bottom of the outer branch is reinforced to take up the forces in a sharp turn, the build is repairable and the stirrup's colour can be put together per component at the manufacturer. For this generation Freejump also gives a concrete figure: the spring steel branch absorbs up to 30 percent of the forces.

How does the outer branch work?

The open Elastollan outer branch swings open under pressure, which according to the manufacturer makes it easier for the foot to come free in a fall. The main branch is also drawn to let the foot go without catching. Freejump itself states that its stirrups are not personal protective equipment.

From which shoe size does this stirrup fit?

Freejump gives EU 37 (US 6.5 women / 5 men) as the lower limit and states no upper limit.

Which colours does this stirrup come in?

With us you choose from eight combinations: Black, Red, Navy, Latte, Grey, Powder Pink, Choco and Teal Green. At the manufacturer itself the colour can be set per component, but those combinations are not among the versions Maddelin carries.

Which disciplines is this model meant for?

In its own comparison Freejump gives it the highest score for showjumping and cross-country, a high score for hunter and the lowest for dressage.

Can the studs be replaced?

Yes, the metal studs in the sole are replaceable so the grip can be rebuilt. For other components Freejump refers you to its own repair service; the brand does not sell separate parts to private customers.

How do I clean these stirrups?

Work the sole over with a slightly damp stiff brush and wipe the other parts with warm water and a soft cloth. Then let the stirrups dry in the open air; that brush has no business on the branch or the eye.

What do these stirrups weigh?

The manufacturer publishes no weight for its stirrups.

• New generation of the Soft'Up Pro, with a single spring steel branch
• Branch absorbs up to 30 percent of the forces according to the manufacturer
• Open Elastollan outer branch with a reinforced bottom, swings open under pressure
• Eye angled at 45 degrees, centre of gravity shifted forwards
• Supergrip tread with replaceable metal studs
• Repairable build; colour can be put together per component at the manufacturer
• From shoe size EU 37
• Eight colours: Black, Red, Navy, Latte, Grey, Powder Pink, Choco, Teal Green