Horsefeathers

"The Anglo-Saxon word which has become stirrup was stigrap, and if this were to be literally translated into modern English, it would become "sty-rope" or "climbing-rope" The Anglo-Saxon word is composed of the root stig, from stigan, "to climb" (see under steward for sty, "to climb"), plus rap, "rope" This leads us to the conclusion that the first stirrups were merely short lengths of ropes thrown over the back of the steed, and having loops tied in either end."