I think the width is just what feels good. The way I ride the wide ones work good. But I think if I can get used to gettin my foot stuck all the way in the stirrups narrower ones would better. We got a barrel racing saddle with narrower stirrups, I think around 2″ wide. They kinda fit that notch in front of a boot heel pretty well.

Check out this link on choosing a saddle.
www.horsetrainingvideos.com/article3.htm

You know, I’m trying that shortened stirrup thing along with jamming my foot into the stirrup up to the heel like we were talking about the other day. I feel like that keeps my legs from going forward. I wonder if this has anything to do with it being a roping saddle. Doesn’t seem like it would. Roping saddles are just a bit more centered I think. The stirrups go straight down instead of slightly forward. Anyway, I’m definitely experimenting. I got through todays ride spur-stuck free.

What kind of stirrups do you use? Have you ever tried those slanted ones that are made of metal? A lot of ropers use them. They’re supposed to be better for your legs. I never see reiners with them though (I only ever see photos of reiners, but still).

http://www.crookedstirrups.com/BuyCrookedStirrups.htm

Jim has them on another saddle that I’ve ridden in. They’re suuuuuper comfie. Do you think stirrup width makes a difference in reining?

As far as Les Vogt getting his legs forward. He says that he’s come to ride a shorter stirrup nowdays. That’ll tend to move your legs forward. If you can get used to it might try hitchin your stirrups up a notch or two.

I think I kinda ride with em in the middle. I’ll bring em up 2 notches when gettin on a colt the first few times or one that might have a spunky reputation. But if they get too long I feel like I lose alot of control. But a lot of reiners like a long stirrup. Pretty much a personal thing I guess but something you can experiment with.

One thing though….if anybody else generally rides that saddle always put the stirrups back or let them know you changed em.