Considering The Selection Of Half Chaps And Equestrian Legwear

Chaps are one of the most recognisable pieces of equestrian outerwear

, known for their contributions to safety and comfort, but also frequently seen as a statement of fashion by the wearer. In the beginning, they were designed to help the rider avoid harm when coming into contact with prickly bushes and other items found in the countryside or wilderness. Their design owes much to their practical use today and you are unlikely to find some of the more unusual designs of the very early days, such as those funky batwings, or some of those specific designs which actually attached to the saddle.

Chaps must be worn over jeans or other trousers and come complete with their own belts, which in turn are connected to two leg protectors. There is no seat, nor is there any connection in the crotch area. The leg portion extends to the ankle and fits over the boots. One more popular version, often called the "shotgun," has a rather strict design which fits closely all the way down the leg, but is flared at the bottom to accommodate the boot heel.

Just as you can select long boots or short boots for your riding pleasure, you can also choose to purchase half chaps or full chaps. The half chaps are specifically designed to be worn with jodhpurs bootwear and they give your legs and ankles the protection that they might otherwise get if you had been wearing those longer boots.

You will often see full-length shotgun chaps in English riding circles and they are great during those overly lengthy wintry months, for keeping you warm. Leather is most often selected as it is very long-lasting and will not be affected too badly by the adverse weather conditions.

It is said that the word "chaps" is a derivative of chaparral, which is a word used to describe a particularly tough and inflexible brush or thicket, found extensively throughout North America. Coming into contact with this chaparral during horse riding was not a very pleasant experience and thus the original Spanish settlers designed the earliest chaps to help overcome this problem.

In modern times, riders may not come into contact with the scenery while riding very often, but the chaps are still a protective garment as it will help you to limit damage to your regular clothing and will also protect you from the elements to a certain extent. Some riders, especially when they are beginners, will choose short riding boots and a pair of half chaps to provide protection and comfort while also constraining their expenditure. Certain exhibitions or other events may require that the rider wears a certain style of chaps in order to conform and participate.

Their origin may be traced back to more aggressive forms of horse riding, rugged Western-style living and protection against the great outdoors. However, some riders maintain that this type of equestrian legwear is just as important a safety consideration for them as their boots or riding hats might be.

by: Nick Morgan

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