Western Riding Full Chaps

What is the function of the Western chaps?

Western chaps not only look good at a show and complete a Western rider's competition outfit. Chaps that cover the whole leg also have practical functions:

• Western chaps protect riding jeans from premature wear.
• They hug the rider better to the leather of the saddle and provide a secure fit
• In autumn and winter they offer additional protection against cold and dampness
• In everyday work, e.g. when driving cattle, Western chaps protect the rider from getting caught in branches or thorns or shield the leg from the sharp horns of the cattle.

• Shotgun chaps: cover the entire leg up to the heel, they are cut straight and fit close to the leg. The zip runs along the entire length of the leg on the outside.
• Batwing chaps: chaps that fit tightly at the thigh but are flared towards the ankle. Batwing chaps are fastened around the leg with two to three fasteners.
• Chinks Chaps: shorter chaps that finish just below the knee. They offer more freedom of movement when working on the ground and often come with fringes.
• Show chaps: chaps that are longer at the back so that they completely cover the heel of the boot once the rider is in the saddle.

How should the Western chaps fit?

Western chaps must fit like a glove. A high level of wearing comfort is not only decisive for the feeling, but is also necessary for correct aiding. Only those who feel comfortable in their outfit can achieve a successful ride.
To avoid unnecessary and annoying wrinkles, Western chaps should hug the thigh smoothly without being too loose or too tight. From the knee upwards, they should be sufficiently loose or slightly flared. This is the only way that the hem of the chaps can lie easily over the Western boots without bumping and thus pushing the chaps upwards. The boot should therefore fit easily under the leather of the chaps.
If you are competing in a Western show, looking good is half the battle to winning. In addition to a good fit, show chaps should be longer at the back so that the heel of the boots is completely covered. This contributes to a harmonious overall appearance and visually lengthens the seat.
You can read about what else is needed for a successful Western show outfit in our guide to Western show clothing.

What material should the Western chaps be made of?

The materials for Western chaps can be very diverse. Different types of suede are often used. Now and then, however, more elegant smooth leathers are also found, whereby mainly cowhide is used for production.
The characteristic fringes are a must, especially in chaps for shows. There is now a wide choice of colours and materials. For everyday wear and work, dark brown suede with a rougher surface is usually used.
In addition to leather, there are also Western chaps made of imitation leather or artificial suede.
Since chaps can wear out more quickly, especially in the thigh area, due to the permanent stretching of the material, a second layer of leather is sewn to the inside of the legs of high-quality leather chaps to reinforce them. This is not visible from the outside.
The zips on the sides of the chaps should also be of high quality. Strong forces act on the zips when they are pulled on, which is why sturdy brass, for example, is suitable for these components. The Western chaps that you can buy in the Kramer Equestrian online shop are therefore only made with sturdy zips.