Half Chaps: Leather or Synthetic Half Chaps

Half Chaps

Half chaps are worn for riding, and cover the rider's legs from the knee to the ankle. They are traditionally made of suede (leather), but you can also find them made out of other materials such as canvas, or neoprene and other synthetics. Half chaps are extremely popular with English styles of riding, but are also worn by some Western riders. They usually close around the leg by Velcro fasteners and/or zippers. To help keep them from sliding upward, there is usually an elastic strap that runs from the bottom of the half chaps around the bottom of the foot, just in front of the boot heel.

Half Chaps For Sale On

Features Available On Half Chaps

Half chaps come in a wide variety of styles and features. Below are some of options available on half chaps.

Reinforced inner panel for extra protection and long wear.

Moisture wicking lining.

A snap at the bottom to make it easy to snap or unsnap in order to provide a custom fit over boots.

Mesh instead of leather or other materials on the outside to allow for air flow (for example, the Ariat Terrain half chap has this feature).

Elastic (or other stretchy material) in panels to allow for a comfortable fit.

"Easy care." This is another way of saying the half chaps are probably made of something other than leather, like canvas, neoprene, or other synthetic material.

Hook and loop fasteners (like Velcro) instead of zippers. Most half chaps close with a zipper, but you can find a few styles that use hook and loop closures instead.

Insulation such as Thinsulate for added warmth in cold weather riding.