Abstract: A stirrup for use in equestrian and other riding with traditional looking features has a pivotable footplate for ease of mounting and dismounting as well as for proper heels down, toes up positioning of the rider's foot while riding. A support bar extending between the side bars of the stirrup is included for adding strength and stability to the stirrup as well as to facilitate the pivoting action of the footplate. Side bar grooves also are included on the ends of the footplate which have bearing surfaces to provide a positive stop for the side bars such that the footplate is limited in rotation to a predetermined angle in relation to the side bars.

Abstract: Horse riding reins to facilitate the manipulation of a horse by a rider. The reins can be employed in training a rider or a horse, or simply to facilitate the maneuvering of a horse by a rider. The reins provide readily perceptible and identifiable indicia at corresponding locations from the bit so that a rider is able to properly position his hands on the reins to manipulate the horse in the desired manner. The readily perceptible and identifiable indicia can be utilized by an instructor to immediately and clearly instruct a trainee as to the proper positioning of the trainee's hands to control the horse in the desired fashion, or by the trainer to distinguish various tensions on the reins when getting a particular response from a horse. A rider can thus readily appreciate the proper hand positioning and corresponding feel to control the horse in such desired fashion.