As a older rider returning to riding, this year my goal is to hit some of the bigger recognized shows. Are half chaps that match my paddock boots acceptable? If not, what kind of boots should I buy for a similar feel to my half chaps?
no half chaps
similar feel? don’t know what that means. LOVE tall boots but school in half chaps so I’m always wearing half chaps.
Where are you located, OP? If you’re in the US you’ll need to get yourself a pair of tall boots but if you’re in Canada you can get away with half chaps if they’re styled like tall boots. You need to shine them up nicely and even then they’re more appropriate for jumperland, but if you’re just doing the odd show and you have trouble finding tall boots in your price range they might be an option for you.
What are the best close fitting, soft leather tall boots? No problem going custom- I only want to buy them once
Half chaps with boots are allowed by the USEF for jumper classes.
JP 111.9 Attire
Boots are required. Half chaps are permitted as long as the color matches the paddock boots being worn.
Unless you are an odd size or have mismatched legs/feet, you may find that off the rack boots serve very nicely. Most boot companies make a very large size selection. I prefer off the rack as I can get new boots when styles change, my leg size changes (took up running and that changed things a bit!) and there’s less paranoia about ruining boots if it is raining, a horse steps on me, or I end up having to walk around in my boots more than planned (I try not to).
It would be nice if people giving advice about what is legal and illegal actually bothered to pick up a rulebook.
DR120 - Riders through First Levelmay wear half-chaps, gaiters or leggings in solid black or brown, without fringe,matching the color of their boots, and made of smooth leather or leather-like material.
Enjoytheride, those are dressage rules. Read the other rule book
ETA: she deleted the post so ignore me 
Joyful, you would be okay in boots and half chaps in the jumper ring. Even at bigger AA shows (including WEF) I’ve seen people show in the Freejump paddock boots and half chaps, the Parlanti half chaps, and the Volant ones. If you get a pair of well fitting leather half chaps, half the time its hard to tell if they’re half chaps or tall boots when someone is riding.
The newer trends are towards “glove boots” but if you intend on showing more then 2 years , you will be buying more boots , even custom. You can buy Glove boots off the rack from $300.00 ( JPC) to $1200.00 ( Parlentis) but they all last for a minimal time … Even the more expensive Der Dau customs will not last long if you show alot
The Tuffrider knockoff of Parlantis are very close to a half chap feel.
Great advice- thank you!
