Saddle silver that works as hard as it looks good.
Build functional saddle silver that survives ranch work and turns heads.
Master the fabrication of seven essential components—from connector conchos to horn caps—with techniques that create gear built to last and look incredible.
Taught by Jeremiah Watt | Master Saddle Maker & Silversmith
WHY THIS COURSE
Create saddle silver that's both beautiful AND built to last.
You want saddle silver that looks incredible. But you also need it to survive years of hard use without breaking, loosening, or wearing out.
That's what this course teaches—fabrication techniques that create stunning components tough enough for real ranch work.
You'll learn to build seven essential saddle and gear pieces: connector conchos, silver-capped rivets, customizable rivets, rope edge conchos, centerbar buckles, slotted string conchos, horn caps (three versions), and a cantle plate (with brand on it).
The focus is on fabrication fundamentals: cutting, soldering, cleanup, metal selection, and proper gauge—no engraving or additional decorative elements will be taught. Instead, you’ll build the foundational skills that determine whether your silver holds up for decades while looking exceptional the entire time.
Jeremiah Watt has been making saddles and his own silver for over five decades. He teaches what actually works, not just what looks good in photos.
Seven essential components. Built to last.
Connector Concho
Chicago-style fastener for headstall turnbacks and other gear applications.
Silver-Capped Rivet
For securing saddle rigging hardware—also adaptable for nail heads on cantle plates and horn caps
Acorn Rivet Decoration
Customizable rivet adornment for headstalls, purses, wallets, and decorative gear applications.
Rope Edge Concho with Screw Back
Versatile component for saddle jockeys, front strings, horn caps, and more.
Centerbar Buckle
For rope straps, headstalls, and larger versions for belt buckles.
Slotted String Concho
For adorning and securing saddle strings functionally.
Horn Cap (Three Versions)
Wood screw, rivet down, and nail down construction—the same process applies to cantle plates.
Plus: Critical Fabrication Fundamentals
Metal type selection for durability
Gauge (thickness) decisions for strength vs. weight
Soldering techniques for lasting joins
Cleanup and prep for final finishing/engraving
Alternative metal options when silver prices spike
A saddle maker who makes his own silver—and teaches you to do the same.
Jeremiah Watt has been a saddle maker and a silversmith for over five decades, self-employed for 35+ years.
Within two years of starting saddle making, he added silversmithing and bit/spur making to his skills. Apart from a nearly eight-year apprenticeship as a saddle maker, he's self-taught in everything else.
Jeremiah and his wife, Colleen, spent five years working remote cowboy jobs on various ranches across the West.
That experience shaped one of his core beliefs: no skill is complete without the knowledge gained from using and testing the gear that bears your name.
Today, while Jeremiah has closed his custom saddle order book, he remains active with a saddlery tools and hardware business, and a commercial bit and spur business. He enjoys teaching and sharing with those who love to learn.
— Jeremiah Watt
This course works whether you're making for yourself or clients.
Let's Talk Tools
Let's talk tools...
This course assumes basic silversmithing knowledge. You'll need standard fabrication tools: saw, soldering setup, files, etc.
What makes this course different:
Jeremiah covers metal selection, gauge decisions, and alternative metals when silver prices are high—practical knowledge from someone who's run a business for 35 years.
What's included for Doer & Dedicated students:
Complete tools and resource list with supplier recommendations.
4” and 6” Saw Frames
Saw blades #2, 0, 0/2 are the most commonly used as our silver is thicker than typical jewelry
Files: larger as our projects are also larger and heavier,
6” flat #2 cut
8” flat Crs cut
8” Triangle File
8” Half Round in smoothing cut
Round file not a tapered round 5/16 is a good diameter
Set or needle files
Scribe, I prefer the tapered steel type with knurled handle section
I prefer a larger bench pin made of wood with 2 bird mouth’s, one larger than the other. Mine is about 7”Long x 4.5” wide.
Stakes- these are tools we use to hand shape such things as horn caps etc. Hard to find, but worth hunting for on Ebay and FB Marketplace etc.
I have an actual tree stump in the shop for doing such things as using my bump out stamps and other places you do heavy hitting. Certainly the corner of a good sturdy work bench will also work.
Butane torch, if it happens you are going to work with a lot of nickle, brass and copper since Butane burns cleaner and does not introduce as much oxidation and dirty gas like Acetylene
Begin collecting up Shot Plates and Bump Up Stamps now, they last forever with care and offer a greater variety within the work you produce.
Choose The Level That Fits Your Goals
Dabbler Tier
Instructional course videos
Perfect for self-starters who want the instruction without the extras.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all course videos
Learn at your own pace, on your own timeline
What's Not Included:
Live Q&A sessions
Community access
Resource downloads
1-on-1 calls with Jeremiah
Doer Tier
Everything you need to succeed
For makers who want the full experience—community, resources, and live support.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all course videos
Access to BAMS Makers Facebook Group
Complete tools & supplies resource list
Course Workbook
Detailed Handouts
6 monthly live Q&A sessions
ONE 30-minute 1-on-1 call with Jeremiah
Pay in full: $712 (save $50)
Dedicated Tier
Personalized mentorship with Jeremiah
For serious makers ready to go all-in with direct feedback and guidance.
What's Included:
Everything in the Doer tier, PLUS:
SIX monthly 30-minute 1-on-1 video calls with Jeremiah
Priority support and personalized feedback on your work
Option to purchase additional calls after 6 months
Pay in full: $1,382 (save $100)
Bundle & Save
Saddle & Gear Silver + Business of Making
Learn the craft AND how to turn it into a business.
What's Included:
Doer-level Saddle & Gear Silver course
Complete Business of Making course
Both communities and all resources
Combined live Q&A access
Originally $1,462 — Save $219.30
Dabbler Tier
Instructional course videos
Perfect for self-starters who want the instruction without the extras.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to course videos
Learn at your own pace, on your own timeline
What's Not Included:
Live Q&A sessions
Community access
Complete resource list with purchase links
1-on-1 calls with Jeremiah
Doer Tier
Everything you need to succeed
For makers who want the full experience—community, resources, and live support.
What's Included:
Lifetime access to all course videos
Access to BAMS Makers Facebook Group
Complete tools & supplies resource list
Course Workbook
Detailed handouts
6 monthly live Q&A sessions
ONE 30-minute 1-on-1 call with Jeremiah
Pay in full: $712 (save $50)
Dedicated Tier
Personalized mentorship with Jeremiah
For serious makers ready to go all-in with direct feedback and guidance.
What's Included:
Everything in the Doer tier, PLUS:
SIX monthly 30-minute 1-on-1 video calls with Jeremiah
Priority support and personalized feedback on your work
Option to purchase additional calls after 6 months
Pay in full: $1,382 (save $100)
Bundle & Save
Saddle & Gear Silver + Business of Making
Learn the craft AND how to turn it into a business.
What's Included:
Doer-level Saddle & Gear Silver course
Complete Business of Making course
Both communities and all resources
Combined live Q&A access
Originally $1,462 — Save $219.30
Learn from someone who makes saddles AND the silver that goes on them
Most silversmiths teach beautiful work. Jeremiah teaches beautiful work that actually survives being used.
He understands both sides: how to fabricate stunning silver AND how it actually gets used on working saddles.
He knows which gauge holds up to daily wear while still looking refined. Which solder joints weaken over time. Which metal choices make sense when you're running a business and silver prices spike.
This is fabrication taught by someone who's been making working saddles for well over five decades. A maker who knows that gorgeous silver that breaks in five years isn't worth the materials it's made from.
You're learning to make saddle silver that works hard, looks incredible, and lasts.
This course focuses on fabrication processes, not engraving or decorative work.
You'll learn to:
Cut components accurately
Prepare pieces for soldering
Execute clean, lasting solder joins
Clean up and prep for final finishing
Select proper metals and gauges
Build pieces that survive hard use
What this course does NOT cover:
Engraving
Stamping
Decorative finishing work
Those are separate skills.
Want to add engraving?
Pair this course with Kelly McRae's Bright Cut Engraving or Nevada Miller's Scottish Scrolls courses.
Ready to make your own saddle silver?
Enrollment OPENS Jan. 1-14, 2027.
Join the waitlist to get notified the moment registration opens.
No spam—just a heads-up text when enrollment opens or closes.
Questions? Email us at info@beamaker.school
Build the silver. Add the engraving.
Once you've mastered saddle silver fabrication, elevate your work with Western engraving from Kelly McRae's Bright Cut Engraving or Nevada Miller's Scottish Scrolls courses.
Quarterly enrollment: Jan. 1-14, 2027
Want to give the gift of making: Gift Certificates
Questions or gift certificates: info@beamaker.school
