Wade saddles represent one of the oldest continuous traditions in American saddlery — a design that emerged from the buckaroo culture of the Great Basin and has remained remarkably unchanged because it works. If you're looking for a saddle built to last your lifetime and your children's lifetimes, a quality used Wade may be the best investmant in tack you'll ever make.
What Is a Wade Saddle?
The Wade saddle is named after Clifford Wade, a Wyoming stockman who popularized a style of working saddle in the early 20th century. Key design features include:
- A-fork (slick fork): The signature feature of a Wade is the A-shaped or straight-up fork — no swells, no knee-gripping pads. The rider holds their position through balance and leg, not by gripping the saddle.
- Rawhide-covered wooden tree: Traditional Wades use a wooden tree covered in wet rawhide that dries and shrinks into an extremely strong, rigid form. This construction has been tested over more than a century of hard use.
- High cantle: A tall, dished cantle provides security on rough terrain and when working cattle.
- Center-fire or 7/8 rigging: Working saddles use practical rigging placements that keep the saddle positioned correctly under the load of ranch work.
- Heavy-duty construction throughout: Everything on a Wade — latigos, cinch rings, billet straps — is designed to be heavier and stronger than a comparable competition saddle.
Wade vs. Ranch Saddle
The terms "Wade" and "ranch saddle" are sometimes used interchangeably but have distinctions. A Wade is a specific design with an A-fork. A ranch saddle is a broader category — any saddle built for working cattle, which might have a swell fork, a Wade fork, or other variations. All Wades are ranch saddles; not all ranch saddles are Wades.
Rawhide Trees and Longevity
A well-made rawhide-covered tree is virtually indestructible under normal use. The rawhide provides rigid support and also protects the wood from moisture. A quality Wade from a respected maker, properly cared for, will outlast several fiberglass-tree saddles. This is one reason why old Wades from quality makers command strong prices on the used market — they simply don't wear out.
Top Makers
Wade and ranch saddles come more often from individual makers than from production brands. Names worth knowing:
- Doug Kroning: Colorado-based maker known for exceptional Wade saddles with traditional rawhide trees.
- Hamley & Co.: Pendleton, Oregon saddlery with over a century of history making traditional buckaroo saddles.
- Teskey's: A well-known supplier and maker in Texas with strong ranch saddle lines.
- Big Horn: At the budget end, Big Horn makes ranch-style saddles that represent entry-level access to the style for riders who aren't ready for a custom investment.
Custom Wade saddles from respected individual makers can hold or increase in value on the used market — particularly saddles with provenance (documented history of the maker and original owner).
What to Inspect
On a rawhide-covered tree saddle, inspect the rawhide covering itself for any lifting, cracks, or soft spots. A sound rawhide covering should be completely firm and tight to the tree. Any soft area suggests the rawhide has separated from the wood beneath — a potential structural problem that a qualified saddler should evalulate.
Check the rawhide wrapping on the horn particularly carefully — this takes significant wear on working saddles and is often the first area to show deteriration.
Price Ranges
- Entry-level ranch (Big Horn, production): $300 – $700
- Mid-range: $700 – $1,500
- Quality custom maker: $1,500 – $4,000
- Premium / named maker: $3,000 – $8,000+