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Passier Bridles, Stirrup Leathers & Browbands | Emmers Equestrian
Passier is a long-established German saddlery, and its leather tack follows the same dressage-led approach as its saddles: anatomically shaped bridles with padded headpieces and a relief for the poll, stainless steel fittings, and combined or Swedish-style nosebands on many models. Alongside the bridles sit matching browbands (known as a "frontriem" in Dutch and Stirnriemen in German) and Passier's stirrup leathers, which are among the most practical upgrades for everyday riding because they are used every single ride.
The detail to look for in the stirrup leathers is the nylon lining. Passier's lined leathers combine soft leather on the outside with a nylon core designed to limit stretch and keep the pair even, so they can be made thinner without losing strength. Closely spaced adjustment holes allow a more precise length. It is a sensible feature, but not a reason to stop checking them: any leather wears, and the stitching and buckle holes deserve a regular look.
Tips for Choosing
- Measure the stirrup leather length to your discipline. A common guide for jumping and general riding is armpit to fingertips, doubled, plus about 5 cm, while dressage riders usually need noticeably longer leathers because of the deeper seat. If you are between sizes, go longer, since leathers can be shortened but not lengthened.
- Choose nylon-lined leathers if you want less stretch and a closely matched pair. Even so, swap them left to right every few weeks, because the left leather tends to stretch more.
- Standard width, around 19 mm, fits most saddles. A wider leather (22–25 mm) can spread pressure for longer rides, but check that your saddle's stirrup bar slot will take it.
- Size the bridle and browband separately. Measure the browband from the back edge of one ear, across the forehead, to the back edge of the other, and don't assume it matches the bridle size, as some horses need a different browband than their bridle suggests. German-made bridles also tend to run roomier, so a smaller full-size horse may suit a cob.
- Budget for care: wipe leather down after riding, condition it regularly but sparingly, since too much oil can encourage stretching.
Frequently asked questions
What does the nylon lining in stirrup leathers actually do?
It reinforces the leather so it resists stretching and stays even between left and right. The lining helps durability, but you should still inspect the leathers regularly.
ow do I know what length of stirrup leather I need?
Use your discipline as a starting point: shorter for jumping and general riding, longer for dressage. Measure from armpit to fingertips for a jumping length, or ask for the manufacturer's size guide, and choose the longer size if you are between two.
How often should stirrup leathers be replaced?
There is no fixed date. A typical guide is around three to five years for regular riders, but replace them sooner if you see cracks near the buckle holes, weak stitching, or stretch that leaves you on the last hole. Inspecting them monthly is a good habit.
What is a browband, and how do I choose the size?
The browband (frontriem) is the strap across the forehead that holds the bridle headpiece in place. Measure it ear to ear across the forehead and allow for leather to stretch slightly with use.
Do Passier bridles run large or small?
German makers generally cut bridles slightly roomy, so check the size chart rather than relying on your usual size, and compare against your current bridle if you can.
How should I look after the leather?
Wipe off sweat and dust after use, clean it regularly, and condition it sparingly. Dry wet leather naturally, away from direct heat.
Find Passier bridles, stirrup leathers, and browbands at Emmers Equestrian.