Lemieux Junior Vector Balance Stirrups

Measure the boot your child actually rides in now, not last season's: LeMieux asks for at least 7 mm of space on each side between the frame and the boot. Check that again every season, because a child's foot grows fast. Teach your child to feel for themselves, before mounting, whether the arm is locked, and let them work the arm by hand once so they know how it opens and clicks back: a child who knows how it works is not startled by it. Rinse off sand after a session in the school, dry the stirrups and store them indoors. An arm that sticks or no longer comes back easily belongs off the saddle.

This stirrup is meant for children who ride independently, on a pony or a horse, in lessons, out hacking or at a first small competition. It fits as long as there is still at least 7 mm of space beside the boot and the child is light enough for an arm with a lower release force to make sense. If the boot sits too tight in the frame, or if your child now rides with the weight of a teenager, you move on to the adult LeMieux Vector Balance. If you want a flat tread surface rather than an angled tread, that is found on the adult Vector Control; there is no flat version of the junior stirrup.

Hang the stirrups mirrored on the stirrup leathers, with the hinged arm on the outside, and check that the arm is fully clicked into the frame. Let your child feel for themselves before mounting whether the arm is locked. If it has opened, push it back by hand until it clicks. A wipe with a cloth is enough; clear sand from around the arm and store the stirrups dry, not in a damp grooming bag.

From what age is this stirrup meant?

LeMieux names no age. The stirrup is tuned for young riders; you choose on the width of the boot and on the child's weight, not on an age limit.

How much space should there be beside the boot?

At least 7 mm on each side between the frame and the boot. That is less than the 10 mm LeMieux asks for on the adult Vector stirrups.

What is the difference from the ordinary Vector Balance?

Three things: the arm comes free with less force, the tread surface is smoother and the frame is smaller. The 5 degree angle and the 45 degree outward hang are the same.

Up to what weight can a child ride in them?

LeMieux gives no weight limit. Once your child gets noticeably heavier and taller, the adult Vector Balance is the next step.

Are there steel pins in the tread surface?

No. LeMieux describes the junior tread surface as smoother than that of the adult Vector stirrups, which do have inset steel pins.

Does the arm always open in a fall?

No. For this type of arm, LeMieux states that there is no certainty it opens in every fall. So keep an eye on the usual things: boots that fit, the right stirrup width and a saddle that has been checked.

How do I clean them?

A wipe with a cloth is enough. Keep the space between the arm and the frame clear of sand and store the stirrups dry.

• Junior version of the LeMieux Vector Balance, machined from aluminium.
• Hinged outer arm, tuned to come free with less force.
• Double balance tread at 5 degrees; smoother tread surface than on the adult stirrups.
• Hangs roughly 45 degrees outwards, which makes picking it up easier.
• One size, with at least 7 mm of space beside the boot; three finishes.
• No age or weight limit given by LeMieux.
• Care: wipe with a cloth, store dry.