Domestic Encyclopædia (1802)/Stirrup

STIRRUP, a semi-circular machine, manufactured of steel, plated iron, &c. serving to support the foot of the horseman; as it enables him to mount, and to maintain a due equilibrium, while seated on the animal.

Without entering into an historical account of this contrivance, the utility of it is obvious. Hence, an ingenious artisan, Mr. Kelly, of the Strand, London, several years since, obtained a patent, which is now expired, for manufacturing stirrups, one side of which opens by means of a spring, if the rider should accidentally be thrown off his seat, or otherwise be entangled; in order to prevent dangerous injuries often arising in consequence of being dragged by the horse. We understand, however, from the patentee, that this invention is not so effectual in preventing danger, as his lately contrived stirrup-leathers, with a spring beneath the saddle: thus, if the horseman happen to fall off, both the stirrup and the leather will be immediately disengaged. As the price of the whole apparatus is not considerably raised by this useful addition to a hunting-saddle, we recommend it to the notice of our readers.