the invention provides a two - way safety stirrup that will release in the event of the rider being dismounted but which is less prone to unexpected release when pressure is applied in the forward direction . the safety stirrups are of far simpler construction than stirrups of the prior art , yet are not as prone to unexpected release and can be made of non - metal materials , such as plastics and polymers , so that the stirrups are more economically manufactured and are of comparatively light weight .