Who rides in full chaps?

[GoodTimes]

For years I have done all of my daily riding in cheaper tall boots and I have a nice pair of Deniro’s for showing. Recently some friends got some really beautiful custom full chaps for around $350 CND.
Now I’m considering switching it up a little. Full chaps and paddock boots for the colder months, and half chaps for the warmer months. I haven’t owned paddock boots or half chaps in probably 10 years, but the price of even “cheap” Ariat tall boots has gone up at least $150 since I bought my last pair. Overall I’d be paying a little more for the full chap/half chap/paddock boot combo, but realistically they should last a lot longer than one pair of tall boots.

For several years I boarded at a barn with a heated arena, when I moved back to Ontario the barn was heated, but the arena wasn’t. Horse wasn’t happy so this year he’s back out 24/7 but the new barn and arena aren’t heated, not to mention walking to and from the field all winter. I’m thinking full chaps may be just what I need.

I’ve personally never owned full chaps. I know of several BNT who have purchased from the same guy as my friends did. He’s been making chaps over 30 years and seems to be trusted. For those of you who have full chaps or who have tried them do you love them? Is there anything your don’t like about them?

Edited to add that I’ve been basically the same size since high school, maybe 5 lbs lighter when I ran a half marathon, 5 lbs heavier when SO first moved in with me? I wish I could eat like he does!

[shedllybip]

I never stopped wearing my full chaps. I own a tack shop in Rochester NY and we sold about 25 pairs last years of custom chaps.

[billiebob]

I wear my full chaps all the time! Mine are just a cheap pair of western fringed chaps that I got through Stateline Tack back in…2006? and they’re still going strong with a few DIY repairs. You will want them in the winter in Ontario, trust me. My plan when these ones eventually die is to spring for a nice custom pair.

They will be a bit awkward to walk around in at first, so what I generally do is leave mine in the heated bathroom at my barn while I’m getting my horse ready. The best thing to wear under them is fleece lined knee patch breeches.

[blondewithchrome]

Me! raises hand I have a pair of custom Pinnell full leather chaps I got in 2005 that I still wear now. I had to get them expanded by adding a leather panel to accommodate my no-longer-high-school body (lol) but they are gorgeous and keep me warm! I wear them in the winter any time it is under 40. We do not have an indoor.

[Tiramit]

I still wear custom chaps. They’re especially nice when hacking out or when it’s a little cooler. I’ll switch to boots for serious schooling.

[chestnutmarebeware]

Me! I have two suede pairs and one of smooth leather and they’re all over 20 years old.

If you keep them in your car or an unheated tack room they’ll be stiff in cold weather till they warm up. And watch out for dye staining your clothes if they get damp—best to check they’re colorfast.

[GoodTimes]

Thanks everyone! You’re doing a good job persuading me!
Do you feel that you can still “feel the horse” with them? I hate winter because as soon a I put long underwear on, or when I was a kid and wore winter riding boots I always felt like the michelin man.

And yes, I know what I’m in for, I just get a little wimpier every year. I’ve spent my whole life living in north central Ontario, other than a two year stint in Edmonton. I do miss the few years that I groomed and got to spend the winters in Florida though. My trainer leaves for Ocala in a couple weeks and I so wish I was going with them…

[4LeafCloverFarm]

I was fitted for a new pair of full chaps about a month ago (Tenney’s is making them). I should have them in a few weeks. I’ve ridden in full chaps for more than 40 years. This will be my third pair. Old habits die hard. lol

[anicolle]

I’m getting a pair of full chaps custom made by a good cowboy friend… his work is amazing.

Ive gained 40lbs in the past 2 years, I actually eat now and no longer look like a stick on a horse… all my beautiful tall boots no longer fit and I won’t think I’ll be 130lbs any time soon (I’m also pregnant, lost weight but I’m not able to drink anymore)

I figured it would be more worth while to just throw on full chaps with cowboy boots and ride in my English saddle as needed. The only horse I’ve been riding lately is a 4 year old Tb who’s taken a liking to my husbands western saddle and moving cows soo

[clarity]

I have full leather chaps that I love! They are apparently coming back into style, so, yay! They’ll warm up as you wear them and be more flexible and give you plenty of feel (imo). I’ve found I prefer leather to suede, which seemed to be more rigid.

[Redlei44]

About 15 years ago I bought a pair of leather semi-custom full chaps that unfortunately never fit quite right. Don’t settle for them if they’re not perfect! At the time they were (more) in fashion and I’d throw them on over my jeans. In the summer it was half chaps over jeans. Now that I wear breeches instead of jeans to ride, some of that convenience would be lost, but I’d still love to have a pair for the winter. I just don’t “need” them enough to justify the cost at the moment. I think the hardest part was adjusting from the wonderful super-grippy chaps to just breeches and boots to show!

[PnkPanthr]

Me!!

I just started wearing some again after a 10 year hiatus from them – I wish I had started sooner! I only wear them during the cold months - neither our barn or indoor is heated and my tall boots are too tight to fit with long underwear and thick socks needed for our weather. The full chaps are amazing and I stay so warm. Mine are just an off the shelf brand from my local tack shop. I have actually started a trend in my barn and now others are pulling out their full chaps again :yes:

[DarkBayUnicorn]

I miss my full chaps on days like today. @GoodTimes if you decide to go for some in Ontario, use Graeme Nicholson. My last pair from him are 20+ years old, and even though they don’t fit me anymore, they are still going strong for the daughter of a friend.

[VTMorgan06]

I love mine! Some days hope to have a custom pair, or at least a smooth leather pair. My first pair as a kid were black suede and they did stain the knee rolls of my lightish saddle, so maybe be aware of that. Otherwise, just make sure you don’t zip your socks or pants into them and you’ll be good to go!

[Didi]

My trainer wears them when she rides. She is a well respected professional rider and does very well - just meaning that she rides ALL THE TIME. I think she likes the easy-on, easy-off aspect and rides great in them. I want to get some, too!

[billiebob]

@GoodTimes

Thanks everyone! You’re doing a good job persuading me!
Do you feel that you can still “feel the horse” with them? I hate winter because as soon a I put long underwear on, or when I was a kid and wore winter riding boots I always felt like the michelin man.

And yes, I know what I’m in for, I just get a little wimpier every year. I’ve spent my whole life living in north central Ontario, other than a two year stint in Edmonton. I do miss the few years that I groomed and got to spend the winters in Florida though. My trainer leaves for Ocala in a couple weeks and I so wish I was going with them…

I definitely think they give a better feel than winter tall boots. I don’t add long underwear until it’s below 10F if I’m riding inside. The winters I spent riding outside and checking cattle, however, I did feel like a marshmallow. But that’s because I’d wear two pairs of fleece breeches under them lol. The full chaps made it bearable when the actual feel was well below 0F.

You’re not getting wimpier, you’re getting smarter. Winter sucks and no one gets a medal for being cold. They get frostbite.

Also does your trainer’s route to Ocala go through South Dakota because I’d like to sneak into her trailer en route…

[Renn_aissance]

My mother has been wearing full chaps to ride since a teenager. The same suede pair, too.

I do feel a difference in grip going between full chaps and half chaps or boots. You may need a ride or two to adjust.

[GoodTimes]

@DarkBayUnicorn that’s who made my friends chaps, he does amazing work! I keep hearing of more and more people whose chaps from him are lasting 10, 20, 30 years old.

@billiebob unfortunately he’ll be heading straight down I-75

[sherian]

another person with chaps from Graeme that are over 20 yrs old - they hold up to the test of time for sure. Full chaps are nice and warm, and the grippyness is nice to have for the winter sillies

[Bending_Line]

If you do your own barn chores, chaps are great. I can’t imagine doing chores in my breeches, but chores in jeans and then throwing on chaps works great. I spend very little on breeches/tights, and custom chaps pay for themselves that way in my opinion. And I like the grip.