Wade Tree Saddle
The Wade Tree saddle has a long history in cowboy circles. Tom Dorrance, who is known for being the orignal natural horseman in the late 1930's, admired the saddle of a friend named Clifford Wade, who was also a cowboy. Clifford's father had brought the saddle with him when he moved to Oregon from the east. With a number of modifications by Hamley & Company Saddle Shop came the new version that Dorrance approved. Thus the new saddle was born. Dorrance road this saddle for the rest of his ranching career. Hamely wanted to name the saddle under Dorrances name, but Tom insisted it be called the Wade Tree after his friend who first showed him the new tree, Cifford Wade. The saddle hung around for years until the legendary horseman, Ray Hunt began using it in the 1960's.Why did the Wade Tree become the most popluar saddle then and today?
Here are some typical features:
* Short and stout horn that is built for dallying. Wood post hor (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.
*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.
*Deep seat designed for comfort for long hours in the saddle.
*Stirrups are hung directly under the rider, putting the rider in a more balanced riding position.
*Double rigging
*Traditionally flat plate rigging, but in-skirt is becoming very popular
*Higher cantle
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.
posted by Posh Pampered Pets @ 11:10 AM
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