Oakdale Concho Buckle Set

Product Information

Oakdale Concho Buckle Set

1 3/4″ Sterling silver overlay Concho with a 5/8″ buckle width, and a  5/8″ tip, also includes a loop (Not Shown)

This is a bridle buckle  that can be added to any headstall that has a Chicago screw buckle attachment. All of the headstalls made by J.M. Capriola Co. are made to interchange bridle buckles and conchos.  This feature allows the rider to change out the silver trim at any point.

From the days of early horseback warriors with painted symbols on their mounts,  through the era of elaborately armored knights mounted on gallant war horses, and all the way to modern-day horsemen on the ranch and in the arena,  the ornamentation of tack and steed is a timeless tradition passed down through the ages.

The conquistadors that first came to North America adorned themselves, their horses and gear with the riches of the old country.  As the new empire expanded with the passing decades, not only was raw precious metal harder to come by, but craftsmen skilled in the art of metalsmithing were few and far between.   Accordingly, the high quality work of a skilled metalsmith was highly valued, and owning and wearing silver work became a revered status symbol.

The word “conchos” is derived from concha, which is Spanish for “shell.”  Seashells were used for decoration and ceremony by some native tribes in North America, so it’s easy to see why the large, ornately carved silver pieces that decorated the tack of wealthy Spanish Californians came to be known as conchos.

Today’s horsemen have a multitude of options for embellishing gear and accessories.  Silver buckles, tips, and conchos can be added to almost anything, from headstalls to ladies’ purses for a touch of eye-catching elegance.