- Frequently asked questions
- What are conchos on a Western saddle?
- What is the best way to attach a concho?
Western Saddle Accessories
- Frequently asked questions
- What are conchos on a Western saddle?
- What is the best way to attach a concho?
What are conchos on a Western saddle?
Western saddles can be equipped with various accessories that either have a function or serve as decoration.
Conchos are saddle bolts or decorative bolts that are screwed into the saddle tree to decorate the Western saddle. They have a wooden screw on the back that holds the concho in the saddle once it is screwed in. They can be attached to the saddle skirts, to attach the tie strap holders or the side jockey.
Silver conchos are the most commonly used conchos. Elaborately decorated conchos are very popular for Western saddles used for show disciplines, for instance, because an eye-catching look is desired here. There are also conchos for Western headstalls. You can find these in our accessories for Western headstalls.
To attach saddlebags to the saddle, D-rings are screwed to the skirts under the conchos. A leather string can be tied to these. At Kramer Equestrian you will find leather strings with a width of 1.25cm or alternatively packing straps made of tear-proof nylon. Our accessories for Western saddles are complemented by Western saddle pads, tie straps, off billets and soft Western saddle seat covers.
What is the best way to attach a concho?
For a better hold, a leather concho is placed under the silver conchos and screwed directly into the saddle tree with two screws. A third hole is prepared to finally attach the silver concho. When attaching the conchos to the skirts, make absolutely sure that the screws of the leather conchos do not pierce through the skirts, but remain in the wood.
The silver concho covers the screws of the leather concho and gives the saddle a nice detail. Conchos for Western saddles have a wood screw on the back. Once screwed into the saddle, the concho holds without having to use additional nuts. You can tighten the concho with your fingers until it sits firmly on the leather concho. Alternatively, you can use a damp cloth or any other material that gives good adhesion. With a little pressure, the concho can be loosened and tightened. Be careful when using pliers. These are ideal for gripping jagged conchos. However, there is a risk of damaging them. Saddlers often use a concho turner, which can be used manually or placed on a cordless screwdriver. The concho turner has a rubber-like knob at the end that allows you to move the concho with light pressure without scratching its surface.