Freejump Soft Up Lite

Measure the rider's shoe size first: 39 is the upper limit, and a boot that is just too big does not belong on this tread. Hang the stirrups so that the logo or the pin faces outwards, and let a young rider get used to the angled eye in the arena the first few times; the foot drops in faster than they are used to. After every show, check that the pin is still tight, especially if the colour has been changed at some point. Brush the sole out after sandy rides and let the stirrups air-dry instead of putting them away wet.

The Soft'Up Lite is the choice for pony riders and junior riders who jump, ride cross-country or do daily schooling, and for adults with a shoe size up to 39 who want a stirrup with a flexible outer branch. If the foot grows past size 39, you move up to the Soft'Up Pro, or to the Soft'Up Classic if you prefer a straight eye and a straight leg position. If you ride mainly dressage or hunter and want a classic closed stirrup, the Air Pure is the model drawn for that. And if you only want to change the motif on the stirrup, you do not need new stirrups but a set of pins.

Hang the stirrups on the stirrup leathers with the flexible outer branch facing outwards and check the leather, the outer branch and the pin before every ride. For cleaning Freejump gives this: brush the studded sole out with a slightly damp stiff brush, wipe the rest of the stirrup with warm water and a soft cloth, and let the stirrups dry in the open air. That brush belongs on the sole only, not on the branches. Changing the pin is done with the small key that comes with a set of pins.

Up to which shoe size does the Soft'Up Lite go?

Freejump lists EU 39 (US 8 women / 6.5 men) as the upper limit. Above that size, look at the Soft'Up Pro or the Soft'Up Classic.

Is this only a stirrup for children?

Freejump positions it for young riders, but the limit is the shoe size, not the age. An adult who takes a 38 can ride it.

How does the outer branch work in a fall?

The outer branch is made of Elastollan. It deforms and can swing open under pressure from the foot, so according to the manufacturer the foot comes free more easily. Freejump itself states that its stirrups are not personal protective equipment.

Can I change the pin on the stirrup?

Yes. The pin on the small branch is swappable. Freejump sells the pins per pair with a small key, in solid colours, prints and national flags. You change them in a few minutes.

Do the Soft'Up Lite pins fit other Freejump stirrups as well?

No. Freejump lists these pins expressly for the Soft'Up Lite. The new Soft'Up Pro has its own pins.

Can the studs in the tread be replaced?

Freejump lists its studs kit for the Air models and for the Soft'Up Pro and Classic models, not for the Lite. So do not assume this is possible on this model; for replacement the manufacturer refers you to its repair service.

Which stirrup leathers fit them?

All types. Freejump names its Pro Grip and 4x6 as leathers that go well with the Lite.

How do I clean these stirrups?

Work over the studded sole with a slightly damp stiff brush. Wipe the rest of the stirrup with warm water and a soft cloth, after which the stirrups dry in the open air.

• Pair of safety stirrups for a shoe size up to EU 39
• Flexible Elastollan outer branch, swings open under pressure from the foot
• Single load-bearing branch with elastomer overmoulding
• Supergrip tread with raised studs and fibreglass
• Eye angled at 45 degrees and set higher: heel drops by itself
• Swappable pin on the small branch, pins available separately
• Colour: Black/Navy
• Meant for pony riders, junior riders and smaller feet