What are half chaps for?

Half chaps are worn on a rider's lower leg to provide a level of support and protection. They help to prevent rubbing and chafing caused by stirrup leathers and riding pant legs that could otherwise twist, wrinkle, rub or rise up. When paired with paddock boots, half chaps offer the functionality of tall boots.

Also asked, can you show in half chaps?

While you might have to own a pair of tall boots for showing, as half chaps aren't legal at most recognized shows and events, you can prolong your pricey boots' life without sacrificing your feel by doing your everyday riding in half chaps.

Additionally, are half chaps necessary? Both Tall boots and half chaps are used to prevent rubs and chaffing from the stirrup leathers and to help provide extra grip on the saddle. Half chaps are often easier to fit and are generally not quite as expensive as tall boots making them an attractive option for many casual riders.

Also know, what size half chaps do I need?

You must measure your calf width over the type of pant you will ride in. A thicker or a thinner pant will change the way the half chap fits your calf. Try your half chaps on with the paddock boots you will ride in to ensure the chaps fit over them and are tall enough to accommodate the boots.

How do you wear half chaps?

To put your half chaps on, simply slip your foot into the elastic stirrup at the bottom of the chap. This settles in front of the heel on your boot. You should always ride in a boot with a heel so that your foot can't slip through the stirrup iron, putting you at risk of being dragged if you fall off.

17 Related Question Answers Found

Why do riders wear chaps?

Chaps are intended to protect the legs of cowboys from contact with daily environmental hazards seen in working with cattle, horses and other livestock. They help to protect riders' legs from scraping on brush, injury from thorns of cacti, sagebrush, mesquite and other thorny vegetation.

Do Spurs go under or over half chaps?

We used to see half chaps cut high enough in back so spurs could go on the boot first and the chaps over the spurs, but that's now rarely the case since the fit is usually so close. You may have to pull the arms of your spurs out a bit wider to get them on over your chaps.

Who invented chaps?

The concept of chaps was introduced by the Spanish to protect their legs from cactus, brush and thorns. They called it "Chaparehos" which meant leather breeches or "leg of iron". The first chaps were just large pieces of cowhide attached to the saddle and wrapped around the legs.

What is the difference between paddock boots and riding boots?

There are two main differences between these types of footwear: Jodhpur boots are generally made of finer leather and are more likely to be used only for riding. As the name suggests, they are designed to be worn with jodhpurs. Paddock boots have a thicker sole and are meant for wearing around the yard.

How do you wash Ariat Breeze half chaps?

Match with the Ariat® Heritage Breeze Washable Zip Paddock for a complete look! Detailed Wash Instructions: Hand wash, wipe down or hose off with soap or water without drying out the leather; not recommended to be cleaned in a washing machine or dish washer.

What are field boots used for?

Field boots include a laced closure at the front of the ankle to provide greater flexibility, and they also allow for more room when the foot is in the boot. Field boots are typically used by riders in the eventing and jumping disciplines.

How should riding chaps fit?

The zipper is on the outside rear of the leg because that is where it is most protected from wind and rain. A good fit in the thigh would be if you can (just) fit your hand between your thigh and the chaps leg. When your hand is in there, you should not be able to move it around or wiggle your fingers.

Do you have to wear chaps with jodhpur boots?

The Jodhpur boots are generally more comfortable to wear but they offer no protection to the rider's legs and so they are most often worn with half chaps or gaiters that cover the lower leg. Full length chaps help to keep the legs warm and dry whilst riding which can be very useful in the winter.

Can you wear paddock boots without half chaps?

If you find a perfect pair of new or used boots, but they are difficult to put on, it is possible to have zippers put in or replaced if they get worn. Jodphur or paddock boots are English styles of riding boots that only go up the ankle. Many adults, wear these, with or without half-chaps for everyday riding.

Do half chaps zip on the inside or outside?

Half chaps only cover the lower half of the rider's leg, from the knee down to the ankle. With half chaps, the zip runs down the outside of the calf and they also tend to feature an elastic panel behind the zip, which means the chaps can fit nicely to the rider's leg.