Hooded stirrups, also called tapaderos (or "taps") are stirrups that have a hood over the front of the stirrup. Hooded stirrups serve several purposes: They deflect brush to help keep the rider's foot from being pulled loose from the stirrup; they prevent the foot from being stabbed with cacti or thorns; they provide protection from weather (they're a particular favorite for cold-weather riding); and they prevent the rider's foot from going through the stirrup, helping to avoid potentially serious accidents.

While riders of all types sometimes ride with hooded stirrups, they are particularly favored among working cowboys, people that ride in cold conditions, and trail riders. They are also frequently used with young riders, as many parents and riding instructors feel they are an essential safety precaution.

Hooded Stirrups (Tapaderos) -
Good Things To Know Before You Buy

What are the hooded stirrups made of? You'll probably want to know what the hood itself is made of (the hood is traditionally made of leather or rawhide, but don't take this for granted) and what the stirrups themselves are made of.
What kind of stirrup is underneath the hood? It could be a roping stirrup, or some other style of stirrup. Do the photos show both the hood and the stirrups themselves?

Above: Hooded stirrups, or tapaderos

Above: A different set of tapaderos.

How big are the hooded stirrups? Hooded stirrups vary significantly in how wide and tall they are, and how deep the hood is. You'll probably want to know....
- ...how wide are they at the top? Some sellers give this as an actual inch measurement (for example, "3 inches at the neck" or "3.5 inches at the top"), while others will state the size of stirrup leathers the hooded stirrups will accommodate (for example, "made to fit up to a 3 inch stirrup leather").
- ...how wide are they from side-to-side at the bottom of the stirrup? Be sure you get stirrups wide enough to fit the boots you'll be wearing and to suit your personal preferences.
- ...how wide is the tread, or the area where the rider's foot rests? The seller might call this the "tread" or simply just the bottom. In addition, some sellers will use the word "deep" to refer to the area where the rider's foot rests.
- ...how long is it from the back of the stirrup to the front edge of the hood?
- ...how tall (or long) are the stirrups?
- TIP: Some eBay sellers use the word "deep" when referring to how big a stirrup is, but unfortunately not all sellers use the word the same way. For example, some sellers use the word "deep" to indicate how tall a stirrup is, while others use the word "deep" to specify the width of the tread, the area where a rider's foot rests. Still other sellers will use the word "deep" to state how far it is from the back of the stirrup to the front edge of the hood. Read the description carefully to understand just what the seller is referring to if they use the word "deep," and if you're still not sure contact the seller with any questions before you bid or buy.
Is there at least one good picture of the hooded stirrups? You'll want a good look at the hood and the stirrups inside.
Are the hooded stirrups new or used?
How much will the shipping be? Will the seller ship to your location? Is shipping insurance required or optional?
What forms of payment does the seller accept?
How soon do you have to pay for your purchase? An increasing number of eBay sellers are getting tired of buyers who take a long time to pay for their item. Some of these sellers are now requiring the item be paid for within a certain time frame or the sale is off. Read the item's description for acceptable payment times and terms.
If you have any questions about a pair of hooded stirrups for sale on eBay be sure to contact the seller and ask any questions before you bid or buy.