Find HS Code and trade information for stirrup

Stirrup

A stirrup is a frame or ring attached to each side of a saddle, used to keep the rider's feet from slipping out of the saddle. It is a crucial component of mounted horsemanship, significantly improving rider stability and control.

Material

Historically, stirrups were constructed from various materials, evolving alongside equestrian technology.

• Early Materials: Initially made from materials like knotted ropes, leather, and wood.
• Bronze and Iron: The advent of metalworking saw the widespread use of bronze and iron, offering greater durability and functionality.
• Steel: Modern stirrups are predominantly crafted from steel alloys, providing strength, lightness, and resistance to wear. Aluminum alloys are also used for lighter-weight options.
• Other Materials: Synthetic materials like nylon and carbon fiber are increasingly employed in specialized stirrups for specific disciplines.

Purpose

The primary purpose of stirrups is to:

• Enhance Rider Security: Prevent the rider’s feet from becoming detached from the saddle, particularly during vigorous riding or in combat.
• Improve Rider Control: Allow for greater leverage and stability, enabling more precise communication with the horse.
• Absorb Shock: Some designs incorporate shock-absorbing features to reduce strain on the rider's legs and lower back.
• Facilitate Mounting and Dismounting: Provide a point of support for easier mounting and dismounting.

Function

Stirrups function by:

• Providing a Foot Rest: Offering a secure place for the rider’s foot, preventing slippage.
• Transferring Weight: Allowing the rider to distribute their weight more effectively, improving balance and control.
• Enabling Leg Aids: Facilitating the use of leg pressure to communicate commands to the horse.
• Supporting the Rider's Weight: Assisting in maintaining balance, particularly during demanding maneuvers.

Usage Scenarios

Stirrups are integral to a wide range of equestrian activities:

• General Riding: Essential for all disciplines of horse riding, from recreational to competitive.
• Dressage: Provide subtle support for precise leg cues and maintaining a balanced seat.
• Show Jumping: Enhance stability during jumps and turns.
• Eventing: Crucial for cross-country riding, offering security over varied terrain.
• Western Riding: Used in various Western disciplines, often featuring a wider, more flared design.
• Historical Combat: Historically, stirrups were vital for cavalry warfare, enabling mounted soldiers to wield weapons with greater force and stability.

Common Types

Several types of stirrups are available, each tailored to specific riding disciplines and rider preferences:

• English Stirrups: Typically made of metal, with a narrow tread and a wide eye for the leathers. Variations include:
  • Pessoa Stirrups: Feature a wider tread and a flexible lower arm for shock absorption.
  • Flexible Stirrups: Designed to allow the rider's foot to flex naturally.
• Western Stirrups: Generally wider and more flared than English stirrups, often featuring a decorative design. Variations include:
  • Spoon Stirrups: Have a curved tread to provide a more secure foot position.
  • Roper Stirrups: Designed for roping, with a wider tread and a more pronounced heel.
• French Stirrups: Characterized by a unique angled eye and a wide, flat tread, promoting a deeper seat and more secure leg position.
• Safety Stirrups: Designed to release quickly in the event of a fall, reducing the risk of the rider’s foot becoming trapped.
• Magnetic Stirrups: Incorporate magnets to enhance foot security and promote proper riding posture.

Based on the provided information, a stirrup falls under the category of articles of iron or steel, specifically related to horse equipment.

Here are the relevant HS codes:

• 7326904500: Other articles of iron or steel: Other: Other: Horse and mule shoes. This HS code covers horse and mule shoes, which includes stirrups as part of horse equipment.
  • 73: Articles of iron or steel. This chapter encompasses a wide range of products made from iron or steel.
  • 26: Other articles of iron or steel. This heading further specifies products not covered in other headings within Chapter 73.
  • 90: Other. This subheading categorizes articles not specifically classified elsewhere within heading 73.26.
  • 45: Other: Other. This further specifies horse and mule shoes.

Regarding HS code 7326904500, please note that it specifically covers horse and mule shoes, and stirrups are included as part of this category. The provided reference material indicates a total tax rate of 80.0% for this HS code, comprised of a 0.0% basic tariff, a 25.0% additional tariff, and a 30.0% additional tariff applicable after April 2, 2025, with a 25% additional tariff for steel and aluminum products.