Ariat Half Chaps - Breeze, and Close Contour

[wombat_divine]

I’m in the market for half chaps.

I have narrowed it down to either the Ariat Breeze or the Ariat Close Contour.

Any recommendations? I’ve never had chaps with elastic in them, so I am wondering how much they stretch, if any, and how long the last.

Open to other brands…

TIA

Wombat Divine

[Melissa.Van_Doren]

The Breeze is made from soft, pebbled leather, with a wide stretch panel. They fit very snug to the leg and look great for schooling. Matches the Breeze paddock boot. Leather is “washable”, which does not mean throw them in the machine, but does mean they hold up well if you keep your chaps on for horse washing and other chores where you might get soggy.

The CC is made from a stiffer, smooth leather. Looks more like a tall boot shaft. But… it’s a back zip, so not as easy to get on (especially if you’re old and stiff like me, LOL).

The elastic panels give to the shape of your leg, but don’t overstretch. I’ve never seen them get baggy.

In general, Ariat half chaps are pretty durable. If you ride 5 horses a day 5 days a week, you’re going to wear them out in a year, but in general it seems many people get years out of them. I have a pair of All Arounds that are going on 8!

[Forte]

I’m on my third pair of the Close contact ones. I love them. From far away they look like tall boots. I do find with all my ariat half chaps that the snaps almost always break. I have mine replaced by my local shoe repair guy