TSI
Venturo
All Purpose Saddles
Manufacturer: TSI
Model: Venturo
Category: All Purpose Saddles
Purchase: Bought off of Ebay for around $300
Likes: I think I love just about everything with this saddle! It's very comfortable, everyone I've put in it agrees. I have tried many(but not all) saddles of many types and quality and for most general or getting out there riding, this saddle is my first choice. It seems to fit my guy well, he moves nicely under it. And the least important, but a plus is its general appearance is 'cool' versus boringly traditional.
Dislikes: The billets could be made of nice thick leather, instead of being nylon backed but that's an easy replacement and to be expected with set-lots. The only other things I would change about this model is having them still be readily available instead of having to hunt them down, and perhaps for the nice button covering to stay instead of falling off after a while(the brand and model name stay though).
Quality: It's an icelandic-esque endurance type if I recall, but regardless the tree bars extend past the nicely cushioned seat and western style cantle and have two rings on either side for equipment and there's a crupper ring in the back. The seat is more forward, like a jumping saddle, and the knee pads are cushy and stitched through in rows like the seat. The knee rolls on this saddle are large and out of the way until you need them and they're quite helpful when you do. There are no stirrup leather keepers on the fender, but that is fine. This saddle originally would've come with a bridle, leathers, stirrups and a girth, because it was part of a large lot of sets that spring up every once and again, but it was solo when I bought it. I loved it so much I scoped ebay until I found a second one. The leather on this saddle isn't indredibly high quality, but it isn't cardboard either. I have three TSI saddles and I would reccomend them for people on a budget, if you can find them.
Summary: The Venturo has held up well to hours upon hours of riding, from 6+ hour trail rides through hills and rainstorms to doing barrels and poles in play shows, and a few cross country jumps, and several arena jumps. My guy also piaffes quite nicely in it. The only real wear is on the fenders where the leather rubs the dye has been rubbed through, the billets, and the shiny covering on the pommel buttons has lost its hold and fallen off.
If you can find one, it should serve you well!
Rating: 4
Author: Jess
Date: 2012-03-13
Usefulness Rating: 3 out of 5.
20 reader(s) voted.
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