What do half chaps really do? ?

Question

What do they do that makes your riding any different from just wearing jeans without them? I dont understand their purpose, they're just leather/suede clining over your pants. Is it for gripping? : \

Answer 1

Are you riding English or Western ?

In English the half chaps prevent the stirrup leathers from pinching the skin on your lower legs. They also stop your trousers from twisting or riding up your leg.

Answer 2

It gives you a better grip on the horse with your legs (which is VERY helpful)

Answer 3

I thought they didn't do much until I actually bought a pair myself and now I see what I was missing. It helps so much to grip to the horse and also keeps your jeans from hiking up. I would always come home from riding with big bruises on my calves from the saddle pinching. They're the best!

Hope this helps and God Bless!

Answer 4

They are to keep the stirrup leathers from rubbing your legs. They are meant to be used with short boots so you still have some leg protection even if you don't have your leg in a tall boot.  

Answer 5

its good 4 gripping. i dont really use half chaps- if i do its only 4 2 reasons 1) fashion 2) if its cold over the winter. whatever way makes u more comfortable half chaps aren't necessary like a helmet or boots so its your choice 2 wear them or not anyway

Answer 6

If you are like me, I have very loose lower legs and the stirrup leathers always rub my lower leg until it creates sores!  The half chaps really cleared that up! They are also very beneficial for your gripping. They help keep your legs still!

Hope they help!

Answer 7

My trainer who's been riding for 40+ years told me that the leather on leather (saddle on chaps always for great gripping)

Answer 8

Half chaps are for better gripping on the horse.

Answer 9

Protection and to keep your pants/breeches cleaner.

And also, they work great to ride the 4 wheeler to keep the heat of the engine away from your legs.

Answer 10

saddle pinches you!!!!

ouch and it hurtsssss

thats why i wear them

Answer 11

i wear them cause they look cool haha

but yeah the saddle can pinch a bit and also if you have short joddies then they sometimes slip up and they also give you better grip (i have hopeless balance!)

cya :)

Answer 12

Half chaps offer protection from the leathers pinching and blistering your calves.  When you wear jeans that are loose and not form fitted to your leg the leathers will grab and pinch them as your leg moves around.

They do offer extra grip as well.  Leather on leather is best and most grippy.  The suede will offer grip once you wear them in and will give protection.  They can sometimes transfer the dye to your clothes or tack if your leg gets sweaty.

If you are doing any serious work I will highly recommend them.  Your calves will thank you  

Answer 13

they help prevent rubbing and help you grip, but i dont use them because

A. i got a few bruises when i started but i guess i just toughened up or something cause i dont anymore

B. i dont want to use them to grip, cause then ill just rely on them and wont really be as good a rider! (plus i show so i like to practice in the same type of gear as i show in)

hih and good luck!

Answer 14

They protect your lower leg when the breeches pull up and don't reach your ankles!  I usually ride in jeans, today I wore breeches.  They slid up and left my leg exposed, and of course, we went through blackberry bushes.  I told my daughter that next time, I'm wearing her half chaps.

Answer 15

well in western riding chaps are supposed to protect your legs when riding but over the years it has became fashon in western riding