What is the difference between Half Chaps and Gaiters ? (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Half Chaps and Gaiters ? ›

The main difference between riding chaps and gaiters is the zip – gaiters are zipped down the back, whereas riding chaps are zipped down the side of the leg. An elastic panels are added down each side of the zip which allows for a comfortable fit with good amount of give.

What's the difference between half chaps and gaiters? Half chaps are zipped at the side, fastening downwards from the knee, which makes them easy to put on and take off. Gaiters, however, tend to have a hidden zip at the back and zip upwards – this gives a smarter look, more like a traditional long boot.

What are Half Chaps? Often worn on a rider's lower leg, Half Chaps are there to provide a level of support and protection. They help to prevent rubbing and chafing which can be caused by stirrup leathers and riding pant legs that could otherwise twist, wrinkle, rub or rise up.

They are not full chaps. The original full chaps – full-length leg covering worn by the cowboys of Mexico (The Chapparal), to protect their legs from gorze and scrubland. History lesson aside, here are key features of Half Chaps: They protect the lower leg from rubbing and pinching of the stirrup strap.

Half chaps, also known as chapettes, are a popular style of equestrian gaiters that extend from the ankle to just below the knee.

Typically, it's always best to use walking gaiters if you know you'll be hiking near or through muddy terrain, water, and/or snow. This will include walking while or after it's been raining. You may need to cross a brook or stream, walk through wet long grass, or over snowy ground.

As with most of the gear horse riders wear, you'll want to measure your legs to make sure the half chaps fit correctly. To start, make sure you are wearing the pants you plan to wear with your half chaps, whether that be riding tights, breeches, or even jeans.

If you wear chaps or half chaps, you may need a different technique for attaching your spurs or even a separate set from those used on your boots. Depending on the design of your chaps, you may wear them over or under the chaps. If worn under long chaps, you'll need to fold the chaps up.

measure the circumference of the calf at its widest point (A) measure the length from the knee bend to floor, barefoot and seated (B) once you have these two measurements, then select the correct size from the Sizing Chart below or on the product page and use this size from the drop-down box as you place your order.

The word “chaps” is the generic term used to refer to the piece of leather a cowboy or cowgirl wears over his or her jeans.

Can you wear half chaps to a show? ›

Half chaps are permitted as long as the color matches the paddock boots being worn. This rule is pretty self-explanatory, you can have some fun here with your coat, so why not go for that pretty burgundy that has been on-trend.

Both leather and synthetic styles can be machine washed, but check with manufacturers for their recommendations. Chaps should be washed only when showing visible dirt on the outside of the legs: expect and accept stains and discoloration on the inside of the legs from saddle oils and horse sweat around the lower legs.

To fasten the Half Chap around your lower leg there will be either a zipper or velcro closures located at the back (running up and down the back of the calf) or along the outside of the boot (from the ankle bone to the right below the outside of the knee). Make sure the closures are on the outside.

Gaiters have the zip down the back of the leg. Half Chaps have the zip down the outside of the leg. Gaiters give the rider the look of a long boot and are the smartest option. Half Chaps, possibly not so formal, though our Saltos are super smart, are a more all-rounder.

Most Chaps cover your whole leg. The leather also keeps the rider from getting wet when it rains or snows. The fringe on chaps, although the style is used for decoration most of the time, the original purpose for fringe is to let raindrops roll off the rider's leg, instead of letting water collect on the leather.

All gaiters have the same basic purpose: to keep stuff out of your boots. But the best type of gaiters for you depends on the kinds of trips you have planned and the weather and trail conditions you expect.

I have Mountain Equipment gaiters. These work well and ME were very good at repairing them for free when some stitching came adrift. Having said that, I only wear them if walking in snow or when I expect it to be muddy because I find they make my legs hot over long socks, which I usually wear in winter.

Spats, a shortening of spatterdashes, or spatter guards are a type of footwear accessory for outdoor wear, covering the instep and the ankle. Spats are distinct from gaiters, which are garments worn over the lower trouser leg as well as the shoe.

Long gaiters, or "spatterdashes," had been worn throughout the eighteenth century by Englishmen to protect their lower legs from country mud; by the 1870s, short versions of these were fashionable for town wear. Called spats, they were often made of the same material as trousers.