No Stirrup November Challenge
Ride without stirrups (or just one stirrup) 10 times throughout November to develop your seat, balance, and connection with your horse.
Simple and flexible - ride for any length of time, on any horse, or multiple horses. Your choice: drop both stirrups or just one at a time.
Are Your Stirrups Babysitting You?
Ok, ok, maybe we're not EAGER for a No-Stirrup November challenge, but let's give it a shot!
This challenge pushes riders out of their comfort zones and helps develop an independent seat. Riding without stirrups might initially seem daunting, but it ultimately leads to profound improvements in balance, strength, and overall horsemanship.
Just 10 rides in November - no minimum time requirement. Ride for 5 minutes or 50 minutes without stirrups, it's your choice. Drop your stirrups during a lesson, on a hack, in the school, or whilst riding bareback - it counts toward your 10 rides.
Your way: Drop both stirrups or just one at a time. Both methods develop your independent seat. Choose what works for you and your horse.
Bonus: Receive an optional exercise checklist with sign-up to help structure your rides (or create your own plan - it's up to you!).
Safe. Gradual. Transformative.
Ready to develop your independent seat?
Why Ride Without Stirrups?
Maximum Flexibility
10 rides in November - on 10 different days OR multiple rides in one day (morning and evening both count!)
Any horse - Your own horse, lesson horse, or different horses throughout the month
No minimum time - Whether it's 5 minutes or a full lesson, it counts toward your challenge
Build Core Strength
Engage your core muscles for improved stability and balance in the saddle, leading to more effective communication with your horse.
Enhance Leg Position
Your legs learn to move in unison with your horse's motion, promoting a deeper, more secure seat and subtler cues.
Foster Deeper Connection
Rely on your seat and leg aids to deepen communication and trust between you and your horse through nuanced, responsive riding.
Develop Independent Seat
Stop relying on stirrups for balance. Build confidence and resilience through proper technique and gradual progression.
⚠️ Safety First: Start Gradually
Begin with short spurts, gradually increasing duration as your confidence and strength grow. Never push yourself to the point of discomfort or strain.
Signs you're getting too tense:
- Legs drawing up your horse's sides and contracting
- Shallow breathing
- Desire to lean forward
If you notice these signs, take a break. Forcing yourself is hard on both you and your horse. Developing an independent seat takes time.
Choose Your Method: Drop One Stirrup or Both
You decide! Drop both stirrups for maximum challenge or use the one-stirrup method for a safer, gradual approach. Both methods count equally toward your 10 rides.
How To Drop One Stirrup, Gradually:
- While riding at a walk, practice taking only one foot out of one stirrup (e.g., your left foot)
- Ride a few steps, then practice putting that foot back into the stirrup without disrupting your horse's walk rhythm
- Repeat with the right stirrup, alternating sides
- As you get more comfortable, cross the stirrup and leather over the pommel of your saddle to prevent it from swinging and hitting your horse's side. You can then progress to walk circles, serpentines, and transitions.
- When you're ready to trot, we recommend keeping your outside stirrup and dropping your inside stirrup for better balance and support.
Why Dropping Only One Stirrup Also Works:
- Less compensation: With only one stirrup dropped, you're less likely to grip or tighten elsewhere
- Increased awareness: The looseness required to replace your foot naturally increases awareness of both your seat and independent legs
- Spot imbalances: Alternating sides helps you notice any imbalances you may have
- Long-term benefits: Build proper leg position and reduce over-reliance on stirrups for balance
Both methods count! Whether you drop one stirrup or both, you're developing the independent seat and balance that matters. Mix and match throughout your 10 rides based on how you feel.
Optional Exercise Checklist - Your Training Guide
Upon registration, you'll receive an optional exercise checklist with progressive exercises to help structure your no-stirrup rides. Use it as inspiration or create your own plan - completely your choice!
Walk Exercises
Start with foundational walk work, including serpentines and stirrup practice. Build confidence with gentle movements.
Trot Exercises
Progress to trot work on circles and straight lines. Includes posting and sitting trot variations.
Balance Challenges
Develop awareness with exercises like picking up stirrups without looking down, plus additional balance-building tasks.
Canter Exercises
When ready, progress to canter work including straight lines, circles, and more advanced patterns.
Full Ride Goals
Build toward completing entire sessions without stirrups. The checklist includes milestone goals to work toward.
Your Own Path
The checklist we provide at registration is completely optional - use it for ideas or structure your rides however works best for you!
Remember: There's no minimum time requirement. Whether you spend 5 minutes or an entire lesson without stirrups, it counts toward your 10 rides!
How the Challenge Works
Register Online
Sign up and receive your activity log plus an optional exercise checklist to help structure your rides within 24 hours of registering.
Complete 10 Rides
Throughout November, ride without stirrups (or just one stirrup) 10 times. Any duration counts - on different days or multiple rides in one day.
Log Your Rides
Record each ride with the date. You can ride different horses, and there's no minimum time requirement per ride.
Submit & Earn Your Rosette
Email your completed log and we will post your blue completion rosette within 5 working days!
What You'll Achieve
Blue Completion Rosette: A handsome blue rosette with tails bearing "I survived No Stirrup November!" - a proper badge of honour recognising your dedication to developing an independent seat and stronger riding skills throughout November. Display it proudly alongside your equestrian achievements.
Click to view full-size rosette image
Essential Safety Tips
Start Gradually
Begin with short periods at walk. Progress to trot and canter only when you feel completely comfortable and balanced.
Seek Guidance
Work with a knowledgeable trainer who can offer constructive feedback and ensure you're developing good habits, not bad ones.
Focus on Form
Pay attention to your posture. Engage your core, relax your hips, and maintain a deep, balanced seat throughout.
Choose the Right Horse
Start with a well-trained, steady mount you trust. If your horse is green or young, take extra precautions.
Listen to Your Body
Take breaks when needed. Never push yourself to discomfort or strain. Gradual progress is the goal.
Consider Your Horse
If you're struggling with balance, it may cause discomfort to your horse. Give breaks and seek help if needed.
"I did some rides with one stirrup and others with both. The flexibility meant I could fit it around my schedule easily. By ride 10, my confidence had completely transformed!"
- Emma R., YorkshireReady to Transform Your Riding?
Join riders across the UK in developing an independent seat this November - just 10 rides, your way.
Register Now - £20