Stirrups are a type of SUPPORT used in riding, typically by cowboys. They consist of two metal loops connected to the saddle and the rider's feet, allowing them to stay balanced while riding. The term 'stirrup' comes from the Old English word 'stigrap', which means 'a step'. The other crossword solutions, 'stapes' and 'cowboyboost', refer to the same concept. Stapes is a Latin word meaning 'a post or pillar', and cowboyboost is a slang term for the act of using stirrups to help mount a horse.