What is a Wade Saddle?

The First Wade Saddle

A young cowboy in Oregon named Clifford Wade had recently migrated from the East with his family and along with him was his Wade Saddlefavorite saddle. This saddle was very different in appearance, the saddle’s pommel was almost non existent, it sat low and close to the horse, the rider sat deep with a high pencil roll cantle, the stirrups hung directly under the rider, optimizing a balanced seat position.

The Making Wade Saddle

Another young cowboy named Tom Dorrance took notice to this unusual looking saddle Clifford was riding. Tom was possibly the original natural horseman and continued his teachings for many years, which helped to form what natural horsemanship is today. Tom was so impressed with the saddle he had the tree replicated and a new saddle built to his specifications. Tom Dorrance named it the, Wade saddle.

The Wade Saddle Gains In Popularity

Hamley & Company Saddle Shop manufactured and marketed the Wade saddle. It didn’t start gaining in popularity until the 1960’s when the famous cowboy, Ray Hunt, had a saddle made by saddle maker, Dale Harwood. Dale grew to become a famous saddle maker with the help of the Wade tree saddle, which he became known for.

The Wade Saddle Is Made For Work And Roping

The Wade saddle is built for the working cowboy and constructed for comfort and a full day in the saddle. It’s rugged, stout and tough enough to drag down anything you dally to. It truly is a working saddle.

Why Buy A Wade Saddle

Features of the Wade Saddle

  • · Built for maximum comfort for extensive rides
  • · Large, stout 4” horn for roping
  • · Stirrups hung directly under rider
  • · Deep dish seat for a balanced ride
  • · Higher Cantel
  • · Better Weight Distribution
  • · Bars Have Larger Surface Area
  • · Double Rigging
 

Wade Saddles, A-Fork Saddles, Slick Fork Saddles

These three saddles are often confused and depending on who you talk to and what part of the country your from you’ll probably get a different opinion. I have described the Wade saddle in detail, the A-Fork saddles largest difference is that is has a different horn and has a slightly different looking front with slightly more pommel than the Wade saddle. A Wade or an A-Fork saddle can both be a Slick Fork saddle and are roping/reining saddles. The term “Slick” fork comes from the slick seat that is all one large piece of leather.

View detailed pictures of a Wade saddle and A-Fork saddles.