| The stirrup was part of the saddle. One hung from a leather strap on each side. The rider would place the toe of his booted foot within the stirrup for the purpose of getting onto and off the horse, and also for a footrest while he rode. As such, the stirrup was primarily a utilitarian object and was seldom decorated in any way. This stirrup was made of iron (possibly steel) and leather. The leather is wrapped around the bottom of the stirrup to help the rider keep his boot from slipping on bare metal. |
