Western Boots, Chaps & Spurs
- Frequently asked questions
- How should the Western chaps fit?
- What is the best way to care for my Western boots?
- How are Western spurs buckled correctly?
How should the Western chaps fit?
Western chaps are part of the typical image of a Western rider. They are worn over the riding jeans as an overcoat, so to speak. Originally, they were used in daily work on the ranch to protect the legs from thorns and brush, but also from pointed cattle horns. In the long working day on horseback, Western chaps also prove to be practical in that they can be put on and taken off quickly. This gives you a good grip in the saddle, but you can free yourself from the leather as soon as you are on foot.
Today, leather chaps are an essential part of the show outfit at almost every Western show.
Since chaps are worn over breeches or Western riding jeans, they must not constrict the rider due to a too narrow fit. At the same time, they must not be too wide, which can lead to stiff creases and thus inhibit wearing comfort. If you want to give a good ride, especially at a show, you should feel comfortable in your chaps. And that is only possible if they fit like a glove.
- Western chaps should sit loosely around the waist, not on the hips.
- They partially or fully cover the belt around the trousers.
- Chaps fit smoothly around the thighs without wrinkling.
- They can be slightly flared from the knee
- They fit smoothly over the boots without wrinkling.
- In the case of show chaps, the heel of the boot should also be completely covered when sitting in the saddle.
What is the best way to care for my Western boots?
Western boots are the pride and joy of many Western riders. With good care, the boots can even last a lifetime.
Western boots made of leather must be subjected to regular, intensive leather care. Above all, the crease should be avoided or cared for as far as possible. The best way to avoid creases in your Western boots is to use boot trees. Alternatively, you can use thick socks to stuff the boots. If there are already creases in your Western boots, you can dampen them evenly with a clean cloth and hot water. Then heat the boot with a hairdryer on a low setting while massaging the leather. Then leave the boot to dry overnight and apply a leather conditioner the next day.
Regular leather care is also a good idea for the decorative stitching on the shaft of the boot, as well as for the stitching on the sole and around the instep of the foot. It is easier to care for Western boots made of imitation leather. All you need to do is clean them with a little water and then let them dry thoroughly. Finally, you can apply an imitation leather care product that provides lasting care for the material. You can find step-by-step instructions for correct care in our guide to shoe and boot care and in our guide to leather care.
How are Western spurs buckled correctly?
Regardless of whether the Western spurs are placed on the leather of the Western boot or directly on the heel, the following points must be observed when buckling both types of spurs:
- The spur strap lies parallel to the ground
- The spur strap is placed over the rider's foot and buckled there.
- The buckle of the strap points outwards so that it does not press against the horse's belly.