How do you measure English stirrups?

[Miracle Whip]

I will need to replace my English stirrup leathers soon. How do you measure them? Where is a good place to buy them online? I have heard that synthetics are better than leather.

[Remali]

Oh man, and I used to know how.....I am 5'6 and I always got the longer ones....the dressage length leathers.
And I always got the leather ones too, never had any troubles with them, I did get the ones that were a bit spendier tho, they were worth it. Have you tried Dover?

ETA: I think I got the 60" leathers.....I liked them a little longer tho, and I rode dressage so had a longer leg.

http://equestrian.doversaddlery.com/search?dmi_offer_code=SITE&w=leathers&x=10&y=12&idc=[[SLI_IDC]]&ids=633476596

Found these too.....I've been to this store, it's fabulous and they have great stuff, and you can shop online too!

http://www.stcroixsaddlery.com/English_Stirrup_Leathers_p/tl_ers_407074.htm

[Miracle Whip]

Interesting. The saddle itself only cost about $125, so I doubt I'd go with that first one!! I have one of those super cheap starter kit saddles. Its held together for 2 years...

[Remali]

I bet those second leathers would be just fine. :) They aren't synthetic, but they are lined with nylon it says.....and not an arm and a leg. It's shocking how much leathers are!

ETA: I always did get the longer leathers, but I also did have a bit of extra leathers left too, so depending on how tall you are and how long your legs are.....maybe something like 54" would be long enough.....it's been quite a few years since I've bought any English tack.

[BalooEyes]

I don't care for synthetic leathers. I had a pair of Wintec's new slimline leathers and had trouble with them cracking. they felt great (NO bulk) but didn't hold up. The regular Wintec leathers I had held up great, but were awful if I ever needed to adjust the from the saddle, which I tend to do. Leather is much easier to work with, IMO.
Anyways, I just got new leathers too from a local tack shop (they make Bit Of Britan's tack!!! Whoot!!) and I got 60" leathers. They're a bit long right now with my AP saddle, but in case I ever get a dressage saddle again I have the length I need. I've just had so much trouble with super short stirrup leathers in the past I got the long ones. lol. If the old ones you have are a good length, you could always just measure them and see what length they are.

[Pi and Tofu]

Agree with measure what you ride in (take into accont that there has been stretching) and just go to Dover. They have every different kind of leathers under the sun and a good customer service policy if you need it. Leather is just more comfortable under the leg, but synthetic will work if you like.