short stirrup

horse racing

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

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The term "short stirrup" in horse racing refers to a riding style known as the "American seat." This technique, developed by American jockeys for early quarter-mile sprints, involves using a short stirrup and a crouching posture. This style eventually became the global standard for all racing distances.1

Stirrups themselves, which are frames hung from a saddle to support a rider's feet, likely originated in the Asian steppes around the 2nd century BC. They significantly enhanced the military effectiveness of horses. In Western Europe by the 8th century, stirrups, combined with lances and armor, revolutionized warfare by enabling the shock combat of mounted knights.2

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Willie Simms
…most-successful rider to adopt the short stirrup since the antebellum slave and rider Abe Hawkins. The short stirrup, which is now ubiquitous, lifts the rider over the horse’s withers (the ridge between the horse’s shoulder bones) and thereby allows the animal better balance. In 1895 Simms became the first American…
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…most-successful rider to adopt the short stirrup since the antebellum slave and rider Abe Hawkins. The short stirrup, which is now ubiquitous, lifts the rider over the horse’s withers (the ridge between the horse’s shoulder bones) and thereby allows the animal better balance. In 1895 Simms became the first American…
Read More