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Key information in a nutshell
- Tech Stirrups Venice Plus Evo are jumping stirrups with shock absorption and a 5-degree inclined tread.
- I tested them during dressage, jumping, pole work training, and hacking, on my young mare.
- First impression: a level of stability I had never experienced in any previous model. And that was exactly what I was looking for.
- The shock absorption eliminated my knee and ankle pain after training.
- The opening arm system functions only during a fall; while riding, the leg sits securely and safely.
- I recommend them to everyone, from people just starting their riding adventure in a school, to competitors training regularly at shows.
Table of contents
- Six models, one conclusion
- First impression: the leg is finally where it should be
- Spiked tread, weight, and what really makes a difference
- Shock absorption: no more knee and ankle pain
- 5-degree inclined tread: leg position during takeoff and landing
- Safety: how the opening arm system works
- Tests in all conditions: dressage, jumping, hacking
- Who I recommend Tech Stirrups Venice Plus Evo for
- FAQ
Six models, one conclusion
Before the Tech Stirrups Venice Plus Evo, I rode in several models. Below I have collected my feelings about each of them, because without this context, it is hard to understand why I stayed with these stirrups.
| Model | My impressions |
|---|---|
| Acavallo Opera | My first stirrups. Sturdy, I rode in them for a long time. Eventually, after intense jumping sessions, knee and ankle pain began to set in. It was a sign to keep looking. |
| FlexOn | Interesting mechanism, one of the most recognizable on the market. But I constantly felt my foot moving in the stirrup; my leg was loose and I couldn't find a proper, stable support. |
| FreeJump Soft'Up | Popular and liked by many riders. The pros were the wide tread and the opening arm, however, the lack of shock absorption and the very lightweight construction meant I couldn't find proper support in them. |
| Compositi Reflex | An interesting option in terms of price, but the lack of shock absorption and again the light plastic meant they did not meet my expectations. The stability was far from what I was looking for. |
| Winderen | Good shock absorption, but the lack of a safety system meant I kept looking. |
| Sprenger Bow Balance | Interesting concept. However, the lack of a wide tread, rubber tread without spikes, and lack of a safety system meant I gave up on this model very quickly. My leg had no stability; it kept moving in the stirrup. |
| Tech Stirrups Venice Plus Evo | Stability from the first moment I slid my foot in. Wide tread with spikes, shock absorption, 5-degree inclination, safety system. I stayed. |
Throughout this time, I was looking for actually one thing: stability. I didn't want to chase the stirrup, I didn't want to think about my leg position, I wanted the stirrup to just hold.
First impression: the leg is finally where it should be
When I first slid my foot into the Tech Stirrups Venice Plus Evo, I felt it immediately. My leg went into the right place and stayed there. No searching, no correcting. The tread provides such support that the foot naturally settles into the correct position.
After six models and months of searching, it was a concrete, tangible feeling. Not a placebo effect. It just finally worked.
What I didn't expect: Tech Stirrups Venice Plus Evo are clearly heavier than most models I tested. In theory, this could be a minus. In practice, for me, it turned out to be a big plus. The weight means the stirrup hangs stably, it's easy to catch with the foot, and it doesn't move during the ride.
Spiked tread, weight, and what really makes a difference
The tread on the Tech Stirrups is wide and covered with spikes, which provide better grip for the boot sole. This is especially important when landing from a jump, when the foot instinctively looks for support. With a classic smooth tread, there is a risk that the boot will slip at a critical moment.
Here, this problem does not exist. The foot has secure support regardless of what the horse is doing and what the rider is doing.
The wide tread, spikes, and weight of the stirrup together create an effect that is hard to achieve separately. Each of these elements individually is important, but only together do they provide the stability I felt during my first ride.
Shock absorption: no more knee and ankle pain
This was my main reason to even start looking for new stirrups. After intense jumping sessions, I felt pain in my knees and ankles.
Tech Stirrups has built-in shock absorption. With every landing from a jump, the joints absorb significantly less stress than in classic stirrups. Since I have been riding in Tech Stirrups, the knee and ankle pain after training has simply disappeared.
For someone who trains regularly and wants to do it long-term without overloading their joints, this difference is truly significant. The shock absorption in this model really works and makes a concrete difference after training.
5-degree inclined tread: leg position during takeoff and landing
The tread in Tech Stirrups Venice Plus Evo is inclined by 5 degrees. It sounds like a detail, but it makes a huge difference when jumping.
The correct leg position during takeoff and landing requires the heel to be slightly lowered and the foot to securely rest on the stirrup. With the 5-degree inclination, the foot naturally finds this position without extra effort. You don't have to think about lowering your heel; the stirrup itself helps in placing the foot correctly.
It is worth knowing that at Equishop, Tech Stirrups are available for testing, both dressage and jumping models. If you are hesitant about whether they will be suitable for you, you can take them for a test ride first.
Safety: how does the opening arm system work?
The Venice Plus Evo has an outer arm that opens during a fall from the horse and releases the foot. The question often arises: do the stirrups not open during normal riding?
No. The opening arm system functions exclusively during a fall, when the foot is ejected with the appropriate force and at the appropriate angle, releasing it at the moment of the fall. During normal riding, even dynamic and jumping, the arm remains closed.
This is exactly what distinguishes safety stirrups from classic ones, where the foot can get stuck in the stirrup during an accident.
Tests in all conditions: dressage, jumping, hacking
I decided to test Tech Stirrups in all conditions, not just jumping. I rode dressage, jumping, pole work training, and also hacked out on my mare.
Contrary to what the name "jumping stirrups" might suggest, they also work perfectly in dressage. The stability and foot support are just as important during dressage work, and the wide spiked tread and shock absorption work regardless of the discipline.
In the field, with variable pace and uneven ground, I especially appreciated the confidence provided by the wider tread. My leg didn't hunt for the stirrup, I didn't have to concentrate on my position, I could focus on my mare and the environment.
I haven't found any conditions where the Venice Plus Evo would fail. These are stirrups that work well regardless of what you do in the saddle.
Who do I recommend Tech Stirrups Venice Plus Evo for?
I'll be blunt: for everyone. But to not leave it in the air, I will explain why.
If you have problems with your joints, knees, or ankles after training, the shock absorption in this model really makes a difference. Not theoretically, but in practice: the pain after jumping sessions stopped being a daily occurrence for me.
If you are starting your riding adventure in a school and can have your own stirrups, do it. The difference in stability and foot support is so clear that you will immediately feel how your leg position changes. Own, well-chosen stirrups are an investment that pays off with every training session.
If you train jumping regularly or work all-round, the combination of shock absorption, the 5-degree inclined tread, and the safety system addresses the needs of exactly such a rider.
The stability provided by Tech Stirrups facilitates the correct leg position and communication with the horse at every level of advancement. Therefore, there is no group for whom I would not recommend them.
You can find the full offer of this brand's stirrups in the Tech Stirrups at Equishop collection. If you want to get to know other riders' opinions before buying, also take a look at our article: Tech Stirrups stirrups – riders' opinions, is it really worth it?.
FAQ
Are Tech Stirrups Venice Plus Evo only for jumping?
No. I tested them during dressage, jumping, poles, and hacking. They work equally well in each of these disciplines.
Does the opening arm system mean the stirrup opens during normal riding?
No. The arm opens exclusively during a fall from the horse, when the foot is ejected with the appropriate force and at the appropriate angle. During normal riding, even dynamic, the stirrup remains closed.
Are these stirrups for beginners?
Absolutely. The stability and wide foot support make it easier to maintain a correct leg position regardless of skill level. They are suitable for both beginners in riding school and professional riders.
Does the cushioning actually work?
In my case, yes. The knee and ankle pain that used to appear after jumping sessions has subsided since I started riding in Venice Plus Evo. The cushioning is an integral part of the stirrup's design, not just an aesthetic detail.
How does Venice Plus Evo differ from the Swarovski and Contrast Edition versions?
Functionally, all three perform identically. The Swarovski version adds crystals as a decorative element. The Contrast Edition has a two-tone finish. The difference is purely aesthetic, not technical.
Can the stirrups be tested at Equishop before purchase?
Yes. At Equishop, Tech Stirrups, both dressage and jumping models, are available for testing. It's a good way to check before buying whether the Venice Plus Evo will work for you.
