Okay, I have never caved in to the desire to own the aforementioned but now I have an inexplicable need for them.
What can you tell me about them? Are they actually of any use or are they just silly, trendy things? I do tend to be a big fan of grand prix (because they’re Canadian) but would really appreciate opinions here.
Quinn, yes, yes, buy yourself a pair of half chaps. I too experienced an inexplicable need/urge to purchase a pair (or in my case four pairs…) My preference is for the Tred Steps.
Cautionary word of advice, I’ve bought two pairs without actually trying them on and lo and behold actually came home with too large a pair not to mention a pair of two rights…
They do create the sense of grip without the bulk of half chaps.
After riding in boots and breeches for years and completely destroying two pairs of custom Vogels in the process, I switched to the Italian-brand half-chaps sold at Beval. They are wonderful! Just like riding in tall boots. I find it hard to switch from the security of full chaps to tall boots when I show, so I appreciate the similarity of half chaps to the tall boot feeling. Also, much cheaper to replace the chaps, easy to clean, easy off and on…what’s not to like?
Tredsteps is certainly leading this race, but I cast my vote for Ariats. I prefer my tall boots, but if I’m just at home hacking I pull out the half chaps and the Ariat paddocks. They’re comfy and mine have held up very well. I always wear them over breeches. The look with jeans kinds of reminds me of bloomers.
TREDSTEPS!!! I love mine. I got them late this summer, when my semi-custom chaps were hurting my knees. I wear them w/ jeans. Of course, the jeans can’t be too big or you get rubs. Also, they are soo comforatble. When you are wearing full chaps for schooling at a show, you ususally have to take them off if you want to walk around or something. I can leave my Tredsteps on and not be uncomfortable. They also make the legs look longer and skinnyer than my chaps did…good when you have short legs.
I got a pair of Tredsteps in England last year and I love them!!
I have to ask though… a Canadian friend of mine wants a pair badly and can’t find them anywhere… anybody know of anyone up there who sells them, or a place she could buy them online??
I have Tredstep Half Chaps and full chaps and when it is 80 degrees ouside I don’t want to have to wear full chaps I wear my half chaps
<BLOCKQUOTE class=“ip-ubbcode-quote”><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by VTrider:
I understand the benfits of half chaps, but then you miss out on the fun of designing custom made chaps!!!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
Two words: Texas Tundra!!!
When I’m at the barn, and have to hack 6 or so horses,I’m not worried about how professional or traditional I look. I’m worried about being comfortable, and efficient, and making everythign run smoothly. If that means having a pair of 1/2 chaps i can just throw on over my jeans, then so be it.
Whats the objection to being casual in an accessory that is designed specifically for casual wear? Makes sense to me… Granted, you can’t wear Big jeans w/ them, but jeans…? I’m all for it.
i always wore 1/2 chaps (“chappies”) when I lived in Northern Ireland. i had them 10 years ago. who says they are new?
Your Canadian friend should try Running Fox (believe url is www.runningfox.com) who carry the Tredsteps (last time I checked). They are I believe CDN $150ish.
I wore 1/2 chaps for a year and liked them fine. They were cheapies but are still holding up quite well. I prefer my full chaps, but I keep the 1/2 chaps in my tack trunk for “emergencies.”
<BLOCKQUOTE class=“ip-ubbcode-quote”><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by ErinB:
Two words: Texas Tundra!!!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I am a Journeyman’s person myself 
I actually like the half chaps best for winter. You can ride in high-tech long underwear (far more technical than a thong), polar fleece breeches, half chaps and thinsulate-lined paddock boots and have a lot more flexibility and reasonable simulation of the feel of boots and breeches. That much layering under my Journeyman’s and I’d have to use a crane to get on my horse! 
Medievalist, if it is that certain person that owned Max than I know who you are talking about. She tried selling them to me!! I nicely turned her down 
Heidiho!!!
No, that’s a term of endearment.
Seriously, I called The Running Fox last week and they do not carry Tredsteps any longer. They now carry a French line by the name of Rectiligne which carries a pricetag of $240.00 for leather and I believe $180.00 for suede. That’s just a little dear I would say.
I bit the bullet and ordered (from e-bay) the Ariat half chaps with matching paddocks. Even with the exchange and delivery, it equals approximately $160.00 Canadian for both! Can’t beat that.
Now, if only I spent half the time and effort on my riding ability, I might actually get somewhere!!! At least I’ll look great.
As to your question, “blech”…JMHO
But if you feel the need, go for it!
<BLOCKQUOTE class=“ip-ubbcode-quote”><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Kitty:
sold at Beval. <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
I feel so deprived, where I’m from we don’t have a Beval store,and the catalog doesn’t sell most of the cool stuff.
I think they look dorky, but I like riding in them anyways. The new ones aren’t as dorky as the really loose ones though-I have ariats because the tredsteps weren’t tall enough for me. I don’t know about custom half-chaps though-If you get them I think they should be black or brown. Raincloud may remember a certain person at her old barn who had neon blue suede half chaps…now those were a little over the top(although I think the person might have eventually hidden them away)
<BLOCKQUOTE class=“ip-ubbcode-quote”><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Raincloud:
Medievalist, if it is that certain person that owned Max than I know who you are talking about. She tried selling them to me!! I nicely turned her down <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
HAHA you got it!!! They were so scary. She also used to have a bright blue helmet cover that matched them…it had white and red stars on it with a big white bow. I tried to give her fashion sense while she was at FoxView(looooong time ago, when we were with Tammee), it just didn’t sink in until a couple years ago though when she finally got rid of her show bow I bet you all miss my fashion trend setting in IL…you and Katie will have to take my place with normal colored breeches and long sleeve shirts and boots that fit
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