Measure up your stirrup and make a paper pattern, cut the tread oversize on its length.

Pic on left gives an idea of shape

Easiest way to work is with the stirrup fixed in a vice, protect the stirrup with leather scrap.

Tread is moulded on damp. How damp depends on what it takes to make your leather mouldable. This can range from a few minutes’ immersion in water to leaving wet leather in a plastic bag overnight.

Put the tread in place and making sure it is centred start to mould round with your fingers

Use a rub stick underneath to help.

Using smooth jawed pliers bring the sides together making a crease.

Take the tread off and cut on the line of the crease, punch holes. These can be round or slots, size them to your lace and don’t put them too close to the edge.

Put the tread back on the stirrup and go through the moulding and rubbing again.

Lace loosely and then go back over and tighten up. Tie off with a knot in centre.

Using a smooth face hammer flatten the laces.

Rub over the tread with a rub stick or hammer to define the edges.

Put aside to dry and start on the other one..