The Wade Tree Saddle

The Wade Tree saddle has a long and interesting history. Tom Dorrance, who is known for being the orignal natural horseman in the late 1930's, admired the saddle of a fellow cowboy named Clifford Wade. Clifford's father had brought the saddle with him when he moved to Oregon from the east. Dorrance took the saddle to the famous Hamley & Company Saddle Shop to have the tree copied but with a number of modifications done. Thus the new kind of saddle was born. Dorrance road this saddle for the rest of his career. Hamely wanted to name the saddle under Dorrances name, but Tom insisted it be called the Wade Tree after Cliffor Wade. The saddle wasn't that popular until the legendary horseman, Ray Hunt began using it in the 1960's. Dale Harwood is now known as a legend in saddle making and is best known for this historical saddle.

So now lets see why the Wade Tree became the saddle of choice by Ray Hunt. Here are some typical features:

* This saddle is built with a Short and stout horn that is built for dallying (dallying is when a roper ropes a calf he then winds the end of the lasso around the horn). Wood post (not metal) that is part of the laminated layers that create the fork. This contruction allows the gullet area to be scooped out without sacrificing strength, and allows the saddle to sit lower on the horse.

* The saddle tree sits exceptionally low and close to the horses back, giving the horse better leverage when holding roped livestock.

* The bars of the tree have more surface area in contact with the horse's back than most other trees, giving better weight distribution over the horse back making long hours in the saddle more barable for the rider.

* The extremely Deep seat is designed for comfort for the rider for long hours in the saddle.

* Stirrups are hung directly under the rider, putting the rider in a more balanced riding position during roping, reining or any other cowboy duty.

* Double rigging

* Traditionally flat plate rigging, but in-skirt is becoming very popular

* Higher cantle gives the rider more support at his back, keeping him in the seat better.

The Wade tree saddle has been popular with working cowboys in the Rocky Mountains region for some time. But recently they've exploded as THE best saddle in western riding and its not just because its fashionable. There are real reasons why this saddle has made its mark. Whichever saddle you pick for your riding needs, keep this one in mind as you look around and try different ones out.

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