Wade Saddles Built for Long Miles, Ranch Work & Horse Comfort
Find Your Perfect Wade Saddle
For riders who love the traditional look and feel of a Wade saddle but want modern comfort, TW Wade Saddles combine lightweight construction, our patented adjustable fitting system, and all-day rider comfort in a true working western design.
Need Help Choosing Between the Classic Wade and Texas Wade?
Our team can help you decide which Wade saddle best fits your riding style, horse, and comfort needs.
What is a Wade Saddle?
A Wade saddle is a style of western saddle distinguished by its A-fork, also called a Wade fork, pommel, large post horn, and simple, functional design that originated from the working saddles used by vaqueros and ranch cowboys of the American West.
Learn the key features that make a Wade saddle unique, from the traditional A-fork pommel and post horn to the narrow twist, open spinal channel, and short round skirt designed for rider comfort and horse freedom of movement.
Traditionally, Wade saddles were built for:
- Long days of ranch work
- Roping and livestock handling
- Rider comfort over many hours in the saddle
- Close contact with the horse
Key characteristics of a traditional Wade saddle include:
✔ A-Fork Pommel – The distinctive U-shaped fork that rises higher than many western saddle styles.
✔ Post Horn – A large, sturdy horn designed for dally roping, typically wrapped with leather.
✔ Narrower Feel – Many riders appreciate the close-contact feel and comfortable seat position.
✔ Balanced Seat – Designed to help riders stay centered and comfortable during long rides.
✔ Simple, Functional Design – Traditional Wade saddles often have cleaner lines and less ornamentation than many decorative western saddles.
Wade saddles have been trusted for generations by ranch riders, trail riders, and horsemen who spend long hours in the saddle. TW Saddlery combines that traditional Wade feel with modern comfort, lighter weight construction, and our patented adjustable fitting system.
Why Riders Choose TW Wade Saddles
TW Wade saddles combine the traditional feel of a Wade saddle with modern comfort, lighter weight construction, and our patented adjustable fitting system.
Traditional Wade Features
Traditional Wade Design
Classic A-fork styling and a post horn create the timeless Wade look trusted by ranch and trail riders.
Balanced Rider Position
The Wade seat design promotes a centered riding position that many riders find comfortable for long hours in the saddle.
Short Round Skirt
Compact skirt design helps accommodate shorter-backed horses while promoting freedom of movement.
TW Saddlery Advantages
Adjustable Saddle Fit
Our patented fitting system allows the saddle to adapt as your horse changes shape over time.
Lightweight Construction
Built lighter than many traditional Wade saddles without sacrificing strength, stability, or durability.
Open Spinal Channel
Generous spinal clearance helps reduce pressure along the horse’s spine and improve weight distribution.
What is the Difference Between the Classic Wade and the Texas Wade?
Both the Classic Wade and the Texas Wade are lightweight Wade-style saddles built on our patented adjustable fitting system. Both offer long-hour comfort, horse-friendly fit, and TW Saddlery’s open spinal channel design — the main difference is the pommel style and rider feel.
Classic Wade
The Classic Wade features a traditional A-fork Wade pommel combined with a post horn, creating the distinctive Wade profile and a narrower feel through the front of the saddle.
Texas Wade
The Texas Wade features a more traditional western-style pommel paired with a post horn, giving it a fuller western appearance that many ranch and working western riders prefer.
Both Models Offer:
- Lightweight construction
- Patented adjustable fitting system
- Broad weight distribution
- Long-hour rider comfort
- Shoulder freedom and spinal clearance
- Open spinal channel design
The choice comes down to your preferred pommel shape, riding feel, and overall saddle appearance.
Real Riders & Real Horses
These real-world stories come from gaited horse and mule owners riding in TW Saddlery and Specialized Saddles. While the saddle styles may vary, both brands are built around the same core goals: comfort, adjustability, spinal clearance, and freedom of movement for horses that cover miles.
TW Saddlery in the Show Ring
“She’s a Tennessee Walker, Suzy Wyckoff from Mystic Meadows is our trainer and we LOVE our TW! The fit is fantastic on her. Her shoulders move freely and the butterfly skirt fits her short back perfectly. The customization options gave me plenty of room to have a classic and show look all in one saddle. I ended up with the buffalo seat and it’s very comfortable. I had to swap horses during show season and was able to fit this one to a second horse which was a huge relief.”
– Alina
Trainer: Suzy Wyckoff
CTR & Endurance Success
“Beau has competed the last 2 years in CTR & Endurance with the Eurolight. We went through five saddles with continued sore back over five years. In the last 2 years Beau has received his National Championship 2022 & 2023 in CTR and done very well in Endurance, with no back issues. Thank you Specialized and Tiger & Jeanne Steele, Specialized saddle fitters.”
Sherry
Comfort for Gaited Horses
“My husband and I bought 2 Specialized saddles a few years ago. These saddles are well made and lighter than our previous saddles. They are also shorter, easy to shim if needed and very comfortable! The moment we rode with these saddles, we could both tell our gaited horses were more comfortable and moved out so much better! We have a Rocky Mountain and a Spotted Saddle horse, now both 19. We mostly trail ride, but also love arena work. Our horses gait, trot, canter and love to run! We are all getting a little older and these saddles are just perfect for us! I just wish I started out with Specialized!!!”
– Carol
Gaited Mule Endurance Miles
“This mule!! Boy did she shine! After a 3 day trail clinic and 2 days off to think about it she gave me an awesome ride at Spin around the Rim where we completed the 25 mile ride. We rode with Kellie Moore Fryman and her mule, Trust. Dolly was much more tolerant of horses around her and passing her and she both lead and followed nicely. She never wavered and still had plenty of bounce in her step at the end. By golly, I think I have another endurance mule!! Let the adventure continue! Fabulous ride pictures by Becky Pearman!”
– Nancy and her gaited mule Dolly
Trail Riding Comfort
“I’m so impressed with how my Specialized Saddle fits my spotted saddle horse, Cody.”
— Diane
A Better Connection
“I’m so excited — I’ve never connected more to a horse. She gaited consistently, light in the bridle and sensitive to my leg! I am so impressed and happy with the saddle — it has made a noticeable difference in Zoey. It’s like night and day!”
Ann and her horse Zoey
Questions Before Ordering Your Wade Saddle?
We’re here to help! Explore our resources below or contact our team for personalized saddle fitting assistance.