Lets talk about chaps

I bought my stuff over the years, some from tack shops, occasional ebay... so I don't know what's out there and "hot" right now.

I've used Ariat Classic (smooth leather) for a long time because I can't wear tall boots, and some of the stuff I've done required that you showed up in "uniform".  They look just fine with paddock boots.  They're pretty comfy and I have a couple pair of them that use on the trail (lol, I match color of chaps with paddock boot or riding sneaker, even on the trail).     My favorites were Tredstep (suede) though.  Really nice grip and conform to your leg well.  Cheap ones will give and you'll end up with floppy sloppy chaps.   I've never used the synthetic ones.

Dover always has a nice selection but I'm sure you can find local places.  Regardless of where you get them, find a place you can try them on for size.  I've never found measuring to be that accurate. 

What discipline are you doing?

 I've looked at some leather ones and also some suede ones that looked dead comfy.  How cheap is "cheap"?

Discipline?  Ha ha, is galloping across the hillside with a couple off friends just for the sheer fun of it a discipline??!!!

ok, so i didnt know what chaps were, so i did a google image search.... uhm lets just say the first few pics were without pants, so i was a bit shocked... wasnt until i scrolled down what you ACTUALLY meant! ROFL....

go on....

 Yeah, I'm talking half chaps, for riding.  Not the, er, other sort....  That's a "discipline" all on its own!

I've always been an Ariat half chap person.  My first pair (Classics) lasted about seven years -- I just replaced them with a set of close contacts.  I wish they wouldn't have changed their zipper format (they now zip from the bottom up vs. top down), but they are very comfy and high quality half chaps.  I think the close contacts look more "professional" than the classics and you can't tell that I'm not wearing a tall boot in pictures & video.

I think you get what you pay for with the cheap velcro suede half chaps.  They sag & bag and don't tend to stay in place very well.

I've personally never used half chaps.  I've always used full chaps or schooling breeches and tall boots.  However, I really like the look of the Ariat half chaps.  So, I guess I agree with everyone else on here, and I'm glad to hear that they are well received in practical use as well.

On a side note, I am over the moon excited that Dover is opening up their very first store in Georgia this weekend.  And in Alpharetta, not far at all from me!  They're going to have some great sales this weekend, and I cannot WAIT to go on Saturday!!!!

*doing the new tack shop dance of joy!*

I too am a full chap wearer. I have tried half chaps and not cared for them, however I am the minority. I think I am the only person at my barn that rides in full chaps any more. It seems the latest "styles" are schooling breeches and half chaps. 

My biggest complaint about the half chaps I have seen (off the counter) and is probably not an issue of the original poster but something you may want to look at when shopping. Half chaps and spurs don't seem to get along.The off the shelf ones came down too low in the back to wear the spur under the chap and have it stick out. So the wearers would put the spur on over the chap but the only place to position it was high on the heel. I usually wear my spurs below my spur rest unless I have a particularly reluctant steed. It seems to me if you were it high or are a less educated wearer wearing it high, you can inadvertantly poke the horse when you do not necessarily mean to. Some of the pictures of half chaps I have seen in catalogs seem to have perhaps fixed this problem, but when trying them on, keep this in mind. 

Chuffy

How cheap is "cheap"?

Then check ebay, sales in the catalogs, and maybe Tredstep Ireland cost less in your neck of the woods?  I picked up a brand new Ariat Classic for $25 on ebay a couple of years ago, but you need to know the exact size to get -- watch the height as well as the calf. 

Chuffy

Discipline?  Ha ha, is galloping across the hillside with a couple off friends just for the sheer fun of it a discipline??!!!

cat0

tick with the brands, I'd expect list $80 - $150.

Er... whats that in English  ??  (£££)

Thanks   I have seen some A LOT cheaper than that, but I was concerned that I would literally get what I paid for....   I would rather spend a teeny bit more and get the support, grip and longevity....

That pic looks divine   I'm gonna take my camera out with me next time.  We also have some beautiful places to ride.

Maxs Mom

Half chaps and spurs don't seem to get along.

I don't wear spurs, so non-issue - but thanks for the input

Chuffy

Er... whats that in English  ??  (£££)

um... I have no idea

Chuffy

I'm gonna take my camera out with me next time.  We also have some beautiful places to ride.

 Not sure if I will be allowed, but I will definitely ask   

This is one my BIL took as we were setting off a few weeks ago.... unfortunately we were still on the road at that point.  This is Mickey.  He is a sweetheart.

If you'd like a pair, I've got a pair that are XS, not sure on brand thou....they're leather and nylon(?). I bought them used(eBay), and they're to small, plus I don't ride anymore. Free if you want them....I'm sure that they've got some life still in them.

 Thx for the offer but I#m in the UK so it would probably cost you a fortune to send them!  Also, not sure if they woud be too small for me as well...? Thanks anyway!