Don Orrell Stirrups

Avoid ankle pain and have greater security in the saddle!

Suffering from ankle or knee pain in the saddle and want handcrafted balanced stirrups?

Reviewed by Ann Pruitt, InfoHorse.com · Updated May 2026

Don Orrell Angled Offset wooden western stirrups in walnut

Don Orrell Stirrups

Handmade Stirrups by Don Orrell Stirrups
Avoid ankle pain and have greater security in the saddle! You'll love the beauty of the handmade Don Orrell Stirrups-- but the greater balance, security in the saddle- and freedom from ankle and knee pain truly set these stirrups apart!

Who Is Don Orrell?

Don Orrell began his business by repairing a pair of stirrups for a friend. Don had a woodworking shop located inside his cutting horse training arena. One of his friends asked if he could fix a busted oxbow stirrup. Don said he had never done anything like that, but would like to give it a try. When he finally got around to repairing the stirrup, he met the customer and some other guys at the coffee shop. One of the guys said, "Well, you're a woodworker. Why don't you build stirrups?". It was at that moment that the idea for Don Orrell Stirrups was born and Don became a student of bending wood and working with different types of wood to see what worked the best for stirrups. He tried many techniques and had many trial and errors before perfecting his bending and finishing process.

So Are Don Orrells Stirrups Really “Different” ?

YES! Different- and better!As everyone knows, there are already good established wooden stirrup makers out there. Don decided that if he couldn't offer something new and different then there was no point in doing it just to duplicate someone else. But Don couldn't get stirrups out of his mind. He started creating and designing stirrups with their own distinctive look and feel. One of the things that set Don Orrell Stirrups apart is the alternating wood types and colors in the laminate layers as he began making use of the abundance of beautiful hardwoods available in the Missouri Ozarks.

How Do Don Orrell Stirrups Help Reduce or Eliminate Knee, Back, Ankle and Leg Pain?
After a short time of building stirrups, Don started getting customers with special issues that they hoped to correct with the right stirrup. Customer's brought their ideas and concerns about certain riding problems and Don designed stirrups to meet those needs. The Offset Stirrups were initially designed for a friend that had aluminum Offsets he used in Cutting and liked how they helped him drop his heels in hard stops, but didn't like the lack of shock absorbency and discomfort that the aluminum had in compared to wood. As a result, Don designed an Offset stirrup that is now used by many in the Cutting, Reining, Cow horse type events, but also by trail riders and others that want to sit deep in the saddle.

The Offsets help by allowing the heel to drop slightly, elongating the back of the leg behind the knee and for some people this does relieve pain while riding. But not everyone experiences pain for the same reason that is why the Angled Stirrups are designed so that the tread of the stirrup is level with the ground. This helps people with weak ankles that constantly want to turn in, as well as other knee or hip problems. People who ride in our Angled stirrups find that keeping your feet flat, basically as if you were sitting in a chair really relieves pressure and pain while riding.

Is it True That Don Orrell Offset Stirrups Can Help Me With Better Security In The Saddle?
The Offsets will assist you with keeping your heels down and toes up. This helps you to sit deeper in your saddle, tucking your bottom under. They make it more difficult for you to point your toes down, which in turn causes you to lose your seat and can send you flying on to your horses neck.

Can the Offset Stirrups Help Me Stay In The Saddle For Harder Stops?

The Offsets are loved by Reiners and Cutters because of the hard stops that are required for this type of riding. Keeping your heels down is hard to remember when you are watching a cow or focused on your pattern. These stirrups can help take the worry of that away for you!

What Other Stirrups Does Don Orrell Have?

Don Orrell has a full line up of Stirrups for every Western or Trail riding discipline! You will love the quality, beauty and design— most of all you will love the comfort these great stirrups give their riders. If you are looking for greater confidence in the saddle, our Offset Stirrups (mentioned above) are a great choice.

How Long Do Orders Usually Take?

If the stirrups are not in inventory, it takes 2 - 3 weeks. However, you will find Don Orrell Stirrups in stock at many fine retailers and show vendors. Engraving is also an option. They can be personalized with your name, initials, ranch brand, clip art, Association awards, etc.

What Do People Say About Their Don Orrell Stirrups?

Once you ride in these stirrups you will never go back!!
~Parker M.

I finally had a chance to ride in my new stirrups. I Love Them! They feel so much better than my old ones in every way. They are more stable because my foot seems to have more contact with the stirrup, they are definitely more comfortable and the angle makes my leg more relaxed. And I love the way they look. I've rec'd compliments on them already!
~Joanne M.

They turned out really nice and they're really nice to ride in too, I've rode this saddle pretty much every day for three weeks strait since I finished it and I still like the stirrups! Everyone else around here that has seen them really like them also, everyone has to come up and look them over, most people tell me they're too pretty to use! They look really sharp, don't get me wrong, but I got them to use and they have been getting used a lot and I'm really happy with them! I will definitely do business with you folks again, thank you!
~Sam O.

I couldn't believe how beautiful my Offset Stirrups were-- but riding in them is a dream! My heel naturally sits down and my saddle security is greatly increased. I can't imagine riding in any other stirrups... these are amazing! My husband loves their 'looks'... I love the way D.O. Stirrups make me feel more secure in the saddle!
~Ann Pruitt-- Director of InfoHorse.com.

Great Riding Calls For Great Stirrups! Call Don Orrell and Order Today!

Whether you want greater comfort, confidence or just exceptionally looking stirrups, you’ll get all 3 with Don Orrell Stirrups. Call us and tell us about your riding goals today and we’ll get you set. Toni Orrell is Don’s wife and she is happy to talk to you today!

Who is Don Orrell, and where do these stirrups come from?
Don Orrell built his horsemanship on a cutting-horse training career, mentored by his father Jimmy Orrell, an Ncha Hall of Fame member. What began as Don crafting stirrups for friends and family grew into a full operation, and today every pair is handmade to order in the Missouri Ozarks, shipping from 754 Low Gap Rd, Fordland, Missouri 65652. The company carries more than 40 years of saddle and ranch experience into a product built by someone who knows firsthand what makes a stirrup comfortable in a long day's ride.

Don Orrell Angled Barrel Racer stirrups in walnut wood

How the angled offset design fights ankle and knee pain

The signature Angled Offset stirrup combines two ideas riders feel immediately. The angled footbed keeps your foot parallel to the ground for a natural, properly aligned position, while the rear offset shifts weight toward the back of the stirrup so your heels drop and toes raise into the classic heel-down, toe-up posture. Together they reduce strain on knees, ankles, and hips over extended rides. As Steven L. of Illinois put it after a week-long Montana ranch stay, "I am pleased to say that there was no knee or ankle pain."

Don Orrell Angled Buckaroo wide-tread walnut stirrups

Wood, leather, and the marine-grade finish that holds up
Each stirrup is cut from high-grade, handpicked wood, then double-sanded and sealed with a marine-grade polyurethane finish for weather resistance. Treads are premium stained leather over stainless steel hardware, so the pair stays solid through hard use. Wood choices run three tiers: Standard (Walnut, Red Cedar, White Oak, Rancher Stained Oak), Choice finishes (Gloss Black, Espresso Stain, Mahogany Stain), and Premier exotics (Bocote, Chechen, Tiger Maple).

Don Orrell Angled Deep Roper stirrups in walnut

A model for every discipline, from barrel racing to roping
Beyond the best-selling Angled Offset (from $179.99), the lineup covers the full western spectrum: Flat Bottom and Angled Flat Bottom (from $169.99), Deep Roper and Angled Deep Roper (from $184.99), Barrel Racer and Angled Barrel Racer (from $174.99), and the wide-tread Buckaroo and Angled Buckaroo (from $209.99). Tread widths typically range from 2.5", 3", to 3.5", with the Angled Offset measuring 5.5" inside width, 5.25" inside height, and a 3.0" neck. Every set is sold as a pair.

Personalize your pair with engraving and conchos

Don Orrell stirrups can be made your own. Initials engraving runs $40.00, full custom engraving (brands, names, or unique designs) is $50.00, and Decorative Conchos add $40.00. The shop also makes an Engraved Boot Jack ($34.99) and offers Gift Cards from $50.00, so a custom pair works as a personal heirloom or a gift for the rider in your life.

How to order and what to expect

Because every pair is handmade to order, custom builds ship in roughly 3 to 4 weeks. Reach the shop by, email for orders and questions, or for engraving artwork. The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM. With a 4.96-star average across more than 1,810 verified reviews, the pattern is consistent: riders report feeling "much more comfortable and 'solid' in the saddle," as Carolyn S.H.R. of North Carolina described it.

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The Solution Section (FAQ)

How Do Don Orrell Stirrups Help Reduce or Eliminate Knee, Back, Ankle and Leg Pain?

After a short time of building stirrups, Don started getting customers with special issues that they hoped to correct with the right stirrup. Customer's brought their ideas and concerns about certain riding problems and Don designed stirrups to meet those needs. The Offset Stirrups were initially designed for a friend that had aluminum Offsets he used in Cutting and liked how they helped him drop his heels in hard stops, but didn't like the lack of shock absorbency and discomfort that the aluminum had in compared to wood. As a result, Don designed an Offset stirrup that is now used by many in the Cutting, Reining, Cow horse type events, but also by trail riders and others that want to sit deep in the saddle.

What Other Stirrups Does Don Orrell Have?

Don Orrell has a full line up of Stirrups for every Western or Trail riding discipline! You will love the quality, beauty and design most of all you will love the comfort these great stirrups give their riders. If you are looking for greater confidence in the saddle, our Offset Stirrups (mentioned above) are a great choice.

How Long Do Orders Usually Take?

Where are Don Orrell Stirrups made?

Every pair is handmade to order in the Missouri Ozarks and ships from the shop at 754 Low Gap Rd, Fordland, Missouri 65652. They are proudly made in the USA, with high-grade wood handpicked for each set.

Who is Don Orrell?

Don Orrell built his horsemanship through a cutting-horse training career, mentored by his father Jimmy Orrell, an NCHA Hall of Fame member. The business grew organically from Don making stirrups for friends and family into a premium custom wooden stirrup operation, with each pair handcrafted by craftsmen trained under his guidance.

How do the Angled Offset stirrups relieve ankle and knee pain?

The angled footbed keeps your foot parallel to the ground for natural alignment, while the rear offset shifts weight toward the back of the stirrup so your heels drop and toes raise. This heel-down, toe-up position reduces strain on the knees, ankles, and hips over long rides. Riders with arthritis and even replaced knees report meaningful relief after switching.

What stirrup models does Don Orrell offer?

The lineup includes the best-selling Angled Offset, plus Flat Bottom, Angled Flat Bottom, Deep Roper, Angled Deep Roper, Barrel Racer, Angled Barrel Racer, Buckaroo, and Angled Buckaroo. Each is tailored to a western discipline, from barrel racing and roping to reining, cutting, and trail riding.

How much do Don Orrell Stirrups cost?

Pricing starts at $169.99 for the Flat Bottom and Angled Flat Bottom, $174.99 for the Barrel Racer and Angled Barrel Racer, $179.99 for the Angled Offset, $184.99 for the Deep Roper and Angled Deep Roper, and $209.99 for the Buckaroo and Angled Buckaroo. Final price varies by tread width and wood tier, generally in the $179.99 to $264.99 range for the Angled Offset.

What wood types are available?

Wood comes in three tiers. Standard woods are Walnut, Red Cedar, White Oak, and Rancher (Stained Oak). Choice finishes include Gloss Black, Espresso Stain, and Mahogany Stain. Premier exotic woods include Bocote, Chechen, and Tiger Maple.

What tread widths and sizes can I order?

Tread widths are typically offered in 2.5 inch, 3 inch, and 3.5 inch. The Angled Offset measures 5.5 inches inside width, 5.25 inches inside height, and a 3.0 inch neck width. Stirrups are sold as a pair with heavy-duty leather treads and stainless steel hardware.

How long do Don Orrell Stirrups take to ship?

Because every pair is handmade to order, custom builds typically ship in about 3 to 4 weeks. Stirrups not currently in stock can take roughly 4 to 5 weeks. If you have a deadline, contact the shop before ordering to confirm timing.

Can I get my stirrups engraved?

Yes. Initials engraving is $40.00, and full custom engraving for brands, names, or unique designs is $50.00. For artwork and engraving questions you can email [email protected] directly.

What finish protects the wood?

Each stirrup is double-sanded and sealed with a marine-grade polyurethane finish for weather and moisture resistance. The treads are premium stained leather over stainless steel hardware, so the pair stays solid and good-looking through hard, repeated use.

Are these stirrups good for older riders or those with joint problems?

They are a popular choice for riders with joint concerns. Customer testimonials describe relief from arthritis-related discomfort and stiffness, including one rider with replaced knees who said the stirrups keep them from becoming stiff and sore. The weight-balancing design is specifically meant to ease strain on knees, ankles, and hips.

How do I contact Don Orrell Stirrups?

Call the office at 417-738-5550, email [email protected] for orders and general questions, or [email protected] for engraving and design. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:00AM to 5:00PM, closed Saturday and Sunday.

What is the difference between the offset and the angle?

The angle refers to the footbed tilt that keeps your foot parallel with the ground for comfort and proper alignment. The offset refers to the neck being positioned toward the front with extra weight in the back, which causes the heels to drop and toes to raise slightly. The two features work together for balance and security in the saddle.

Do they make anything besides stirrups?

Yes. Don Orrell also offers an Engraved Boot Jack for $34.99, Decorative Conchos for $40.00 to dress up your stirrups, and Gift Cards starting at $50.00. These make good gifts for riders or complements to a custom stirrup order.

How highly rated are Don Orrell Stirrups?

The brand carries a 4.96-star average across more than 1,810 verified reviews. The flagship Angled Offset alone has hundreds of reviews with a 97 percent five-star rating, with riders frequently reporting both comfort and a more secure, solid feel in the saddle.

Which Don Orrell stirrup is best for roping or barrel racing?

For roping, the Deep Roper and Angled Deep Roper offer a deeper, wider tread for a secure stance. For barrel racing, the Barrel Racer and Angled Barrel Racer are purpose-built for that discipline. The Buckaroo and Angled Buckaroo provide the widest tread for buckaroo and ranch styles, while the Angled Offset is the versatile all-discipline best seller.

Will these stirrups fit my saddle?

Don Orrell stirrups are designed for western saddles and use standard fenders, with a 3.0 inch neck width on the Angled Offset. The company provides sizing and wood-selection resources on its website, and you can call 417-738-5550 if you need help matching a width or confirming fit for your fenders before ordering.