Bob was fortunate to be born and raised in northeastern Oregon, part of the western United States that produced some of the founding fathers of this movement. Tom and Bill Dorrance and the Cliff Wade ranching families
(after whom the Wade Tree was named
) were legends in my home county. As a boy, he had the honor to ride in their shadows.
"The land we rode on dictated their saddle design choices; so incredibly steep and unforgiving was the Hell's Canyon and Grand Ronde country that a cowboy with a rope on a cow needed to be able to separate himself from his horse and free his horse from the cow in a split second lest the unfortunate, stumble footed bovine pull the whole outfit over a cliff. You can build a Slick Fork Saddle without knowing its origins, but something is gained if you understand the 'why' from personal experience. The same can be said for choice of materials; the very best is none too good when equipment failure is not an option. This is the spirit that I strive to incorporate into my work."
Bob Trezona's mission is to create a custom riding saddle that compliments and facilitates what has generally become known as the theory of Natural Horsemanship; creating a bond between horse and rider, while working with horses based on the horse?s natural instincts and methods of communication.
Wade trees make darn good saddles. They are built and designed to make you a better rider, naturally. You don't have much choice but to ride in the correct riding position, and therefore, to ride one is to fall in love with one. It can almost feel like cheating. Furthermore, Bob measures your horse before he even starts making your saddle to ensure your new saddle will fit your horse as well as you.
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