This material and its attendant photo illustrations are copyrighted © 2008 by R. J. Sagely. The reprinting or distribution of the whole or any part without express permission of the author is prohibited.

SAGE SADDLERY
R. J. Sagely
Maker of Custom Horseman's Gear
"For a saddle your great-grandkids will still be riding"

 Well, it will be ten years coming soon since I built my first saddle. That first one came out real fine thanks to a great mentor and I hope a bit of skill on my part. I have been trying to improve my skills since that first one and have a nice little part-time saddle and gear business that I hope will continue to grow. Once I hit retirement from high school teaching I sure would like to make this my full time deal. It is an outgrowth of the last thirty years of my interest and work making either a full, or at least a better, living from my skills with horses. From horseshoeing to wrangling dudes; working day work to full time on small ranches throughout several western states; starting young horses or helping fix up "problem" cayuses; teaching people about horses, ranch roping or the history of the Old Californio bridle horse traditions, I have spent plenty enough time in a saddle to know what feels good to me and allows a horse to do his job in the comfort of a good fitting rig.

Interested for many, many years in the Old Californio/vaquero/buckaroo styles of horsemanship and its attendant gear, I have made a diligent study of building a good fitting and durable saddle. I have particularly concentrated on the Wade style saddle and have built quite a few. Though it could be said that the real traditional saddle of the Californios is more the center-fire Visalia rig than this more modern saddle, the Wade has made its mark on the vaquero/buckaroo culture. I sure do like the way this type tree and the saddle I build around it works to allow a horse and rider to really get together and perform. I can build any type western saddle but sure do like the buckaroo flavor.

I also make all kinds of western leather horse tack and cowboy/buckaroo gear, especially enjoying the making of custom items to suit the needs and preferences of my clients. Wickett & Craig leathers are my preference and whenever possible I will use brass and stainless steel for the hardware on saddles, tack and cowboy gear. Design and decoration of the leather pieces can be from as plain to as fancy as you would like and can afford. Using traditional patterns or creating new ones to fit the piece I can get you the piece you want, one that will fit your mounts and be durable and long lasting.

If you have any question or comments about what you find on the site, feel free to contact me at sagehorseman or give a call to (724) 459-3873.

*Disclaimer:
Horsemanship is an inherently dangerous practice and horses are inherently unpredictable animals. The person attempting to follow any suggestion from Bob Sagely or Sage Horsemanship is to do so at their own risk and assumes full responsibility for themselves, their horse and any others in the vicinity. There is no guarantee of success or safety for human or horse in utilizing any of the practices or strategies for horsemanship suggested or promoted on this site or by Bob Sagely or Sage Horsemanship directly.

This material and any attendant photo illustrations are copyrighted © 2008 by R. J. Sagely. The reprinting or distribution of  the whole or any part without express permission of the author is prohibited.