Abstract: A curved side piece is fixedly attached to any stirrup strap and depends therefrom. One end of the tread is attached to the side piece and terminates in an unsupported free end. A retaining dome or wash rises up from the free end of the tread and has a smoothly curved inner boot contacting surface which retains the rider's foot but slopes away from his foot on all sides so as to minimize the chance of catching or hanging the foot, footwear or trousers leg in a fall. A retaining strap is pivotally attached to the top of the dome and slidably engaged with a cooperating member on the stirrup strap. In the event of a fall, the top of the retaining strap becomes disengaged thus allowing the foot to be freely released from the stirrup.