Chaps are a very distinctive part of equestrian outerwear, designed principally for comfort and safety, but in some scenarios chaps can also represent a fashionable statement by the wearer. Initially, this item of clothing was designed to help you avoid damage when coming into contact with prickly bushes and other parts of the scenery, as you were riding in undeveloped territory, the outback or the wilderness. They have developed over the years to be more practical and today they are not as outrageous as some of the very early versions, some examples of the original batwings, or some of the very early versions which attached to the saddle itself, as well.

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. You have no seat, nor is there any material in the crotch area. The leg portion extends to the ankle and fits over the boots. Specifically, the “shotgun” version has a more strict design, with a close-fitting effect except for at the bottom, where it is layered to take into account the heel of the boot.

You have a choice of long boots or short boots when you are riding and consequently you can also buy full chaps or half chaps. When you select bootwear to go with your jodhpurs, you can also choose half chaps and these will give you that extra bit of protection that might be missing without longer boots.

In English riding, full-length shotgun chaps are the most common and they can help you remain warm during those long winter months. Leather does particularly well in bad weather, so it is the material of choice for chaps.

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. Beginners often select short riding boots together with half chaps, so that they have the comfort and protection they need, but are not stretching their budgets too thinly, an important consideration of course when you are just starting out. 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.