June 20, 2026 Old West & Native American Art Auction in Santa Fe, NM
Lot #1364:
C. 1952 ROWELL SADDLE CO. HARLEY MAY WORLD CHAMPION TOOLED LEATHER FLORAL PATTERN SADDLE
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 6/20/2026
Harley May (1926-2008) won the world steer wrestling championship title in 1952, his first year in the (RCA) Rodeo Cowboys Association. He won a total of three world crowns, and 26 years after his first one, he was still a top qualifier. The 27th Annual World's Championship Rodeo opened in New York City's Madison Square Garden on September 24, 1952, drawing 13,000 attendees to its opening night. The event featured Roy Rogers, often appearing on the cover of the 1952 official program, along with notable rodeo queens. It was a major NYC event featuring prominent contestants. This is the floral carved Rowell saddle he won that day. Harry Rowell was a well known stock contractor in Dublin, California and his saddlery in Hayward provided the RCA world championship saddles for many years. This is a very meaningful cowboy item as May was an important part of rodeo history as three time world Champion, and recipient of over 45 championship saddles over the decades of his competition. He was inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 1979. Tooled with "RCA" clear on the jockeys and "WORLD'S CHAMPION BULL DOGGER" on the fenders. Engraved sterling silver horn cap reads: 'CHAMPION BULL DOGGER *HARLEY MAY* DONATED BY VERNE ELLIOTT.' Elliott (also inducted into the Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame) partnered with Ed McCarty of Chugwater, Wyo., to contract livestock and produce rodeos, including the first indoor production in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1917. In Fort Worth, Elliott built the first bucking chutes ever used in competition. Saddle has only seen light use, and is in excellent condition. Includes original photos of May posing with the saddle. 17" seat, 1 1/4" cantle and 38" long from horn to stirrups.
Provenance
Ex. Harley May
This is not a standard shippable item and will require 3rd party shipping or pickup arrangements to be made.
Item Dimensions: Overall: 29" x 22" x 38".