Used McCall Saddles: What Makes Them Worth the Price
McCall saddles hold their value on the used market better than most western saddle brands because they're a tried and true cowboys saddle, hand-built in Vernal, Utah using rawhide-wrapped wood trees, Hermann Oak top-grade leather, and hardware from makers like Jeremiah Watt. A used McCall in good condition typically sells for 60–80% of its original retail price — and at that price point, you're getting a saddle that rides like custom for the cost of a mid-range production saddle.
What Makes McCall Saddles Different From Other Brands
McCall Saddle Company has been building saddles in Vernal, Utah for over 30 years. Even though they're a small operation — the primary saddlemakers have over 100 combined years of experience, and every saddle is still built and tooled by hand. That matters when you're buying used because the quality in the foundation determines how well a saddle ages.
Three things set McCall apart. It starts with their trees: McCall uses Timberline wood trees in the full McCall line of saddle, they are wrapped in rawhide, which means they're stronger and withstand the demands of daily ranch work. McLites have a composite tree, with superior strength. Second, they use Hermann Oak top-grade leather throughout giving superior construction. Third, there is handcrafted excellence in every hand-tooled piece of leather, a skill & detail only experience can give. The result is strength and quality, with a broken in feel at a reasonable price.
McCall saddles are available in Semi Quarter Horse Bars (SQHB), Quarter Horse Bars (QHB), and Full Quarter Horse Bars (FQHB). McLite Saddles come in Regular or Wide Trees.
Expect to pay $2,200–$3,400 + used depending on tooling and condition.
Top McCall Models Worth Buying Used
Lady Wade. McCall’s most popular model, the Lady Wade combines a narrower ground seat for a close, secure feel with the rugged strength needed for real work. Topped off with a heavy horn built for dallying, it’s a saddle you can rely on day in and day out. Used Lady Wades are the most sought-after McCall on the resale market — they sell fast. If you find one in good condition, act quickly.
Northwest Wade. The NW Wade is one of McCall's leading working wade ranch saddles — The traditional wade style, built for long days of serious daily ranch use. Standard features include 7/8 plate rigging, mulehide horn wrap, hobble ring, and crossover lariat strap.
McLite All Around & McLite Wade. At under 25 pounds, the McLite is McCall's lightweight option. The secret is a proprietary fiberglass and synthetic composite tree that's been rigorously tested for strength, creating the quality of McCalls craftsmanship in a lighter weight option. The McLite is a very popular choice with trail riders, women, and anyone looking for high quality in a lighter weight saddle. This is a very popular saddle with our customers at Saddle Up Colorado.
Pendleton & Lady Pendleton. The Pendleton has Lady Wade-style bars to give your horse the best fit, comfort and performance, and swells to give the rider more security when roping those larger bulls. The strength of a Pendleton makes it a top choice for ranchers, and has an excellent all-around design for rider comfort on those long days. The Lady Pendleton gives all the same bells and whistles in a lighter version.
Used McCall Saddle Pricing: What to Expect
New McCall saddles retail between $2,970 and $4,800 + depending on the model and customization.
On the used market, pricing holds remarkably well compared to other brands:
Why do they hold value? Because McCall's quality withstands the test of time. A 10-year-old McCall with a solid tree and properly conditioned leather rides as well as a new one. The wood tree stays strong and solid, the Hermann Oak leather ages beautifully, and the hardware doesn't rust.
What to Check on a Used McCall Saddle
Even a McCall can have problems if it's been abused or stored poorly. Here's what to inspect:
Tree test. McCall's wood trees are robust, but a horse rolling on the saddle or a bad fall can still crack one. If you're buying from us at Saddle Up Colorado, we've already checked this.
Leather condition. Hermann Oak leather holds up well, but it still needs conditioning. Look for dry rot at the skirt edges and fender bends. If the leather is dry but not cracked, a good conditioning session with leather conditioner will restore it. If it's cracked through, you may need to factor in repair costs.
Serial number. Every McCall has a serial number stamped on the saddle. You can call us and we’ll happily check with McCall (Those cowboys in Vernal, Utah are often working away and sometimes a little hard to get a hold of) we can verify the model, tree width, and original build date. This is the single best way to confirm what you're buying is genuine.
Where to Buy Used McCall Saddles
Used McCalls appear on classifieds (Equine Now, Ranch World Ads), Facebook groups, and at dealer consignment shops. The risk with classifieds and Facebook is no inspection guarantee — you're trusting the seller's description and photos.
At Saddle Up Colorado, McCall is one of our top-selling brands. We carry both new and used. Every used McCall Saddle we list has its tree checked, leather assessed, and integrity verified. If you're local our saddle trial program lets you try up to 3 saddles for 2–3 days on your horse before you commit. If you're looking for a specific McCall model or tree width, call us at (303) 772-7821 — We have been fitting McCall saddles for nearly three decades and can match you to the right one based on your horse's conformation.
You can also book a saddle fitting if you're not sure which tree width (SQHB, QHB, or FQHB) fits your horse.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why a McCall saddle?
McCall Saddle Company is a small, American saddle manufacturer based in Vernal, Utah. They build western saddles by hand using rawhide-wrapped wood trees, Hermann Oak leather, and withstand the test of time. Their most popular models are the Lady Wade, Northwest Wade, and McLite. McCall saddles are known for quality that rivals custom saddle makers at a lower price point.
Are McCall saddles worth the investment?
Yes. McCall saddles are built with materials and craftsmanship that match custom saddle makers charging well over $5,000+. They hold 60–80% of their retail value on the used market, which is significantly better than most production brands. Forum reviews from ranchers, trail riders, and trainers consistently rate McCall saddles among the best value in western saddlery.
How do I know if a used McCall saddle is genuine?
Every McCall saddle has a serial number stamped on it. You can call us or McCall Saddle Company in Vernal, Utah to verify the model, tree specifications, and build date. If the seller can't show you the serial number or the saddle doesn't have one, it may not be a genuine McCall.
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