Month: July 2019

Looking for perfect-fitting leather half chaps? We have the answer.

Date posted: 22/07/2019

Saltos leather half chaps by just chaps in all sizes

Saltos Half Chaps, the next generation by Just Chaps.

Looking for great-looking and perfect-fitting Leather Half Chaps? Saltos are the answer. The team at Just Chaps have developed the ideal leather half chaps that bridge the gap between gaiters (which can be tricky to fasten) and Half Chaps (with a size zip).

Saltos Half Chaps are the result of much trial and effort to perfect design and fit. Designed by our in-house team, Saltos brings riders close-fitting chaps that contour the leg, whilst at the same time offer comfort and movement. The cut is elegant with a shaped Spanish top-line. The shaping around the ankle allows riders to wear virtually any riding boot, from a traditional Jodphur boot to a more chunky option, yet is at the same time shapely and neat to the ankle. 

The zip is strong but not bulky. Behind the zip is the leather elastic panel. This is critical. Cleverly made by thinly splicing leather which is then adhered to elastic. The result is an “elasticated leather” panel which not only looks elegant but has a surprising stretch and allows for a comfortable, leg-hugging design. 

Saltos Leather Half Chaps represent a new generation of stylish and comfy leg wear for the rider looking for a comfortable smart option. Where traditional gaiters, with a back zip, can be problematic to some riders, Saltos Half Chaps are the perfect solution with easy-to-fasten side zip.  With Saltos quickly becoming another best-seller, our perfect-fitting leather half chaps are another winner. 

Available in an extended range of sizes – from Child Small to fit the average 8 year old to Child Tall, for the tall and willowy. In adult sizes we have 6 calf widths and the specialism doesn’t end there – with a Medium Tall and Extra Large, we feel confident that almost every rider that visits our shop can walk away with very smart, perfect-fitting leather half chaps.  Take a look at our new guide Finding The Perfect Fit for the ideal fit for you.

You no longer have to choose between looks and comfort –  Saltos Half Chaps really do bridge the gap between gaiters and half chaps. 

But don’t just take our word for it, Horse & Hound reporter Eleanor Jones recently voted our Saltos half chaps as “the best half chaps I’ve tried“. Here’s what Eleanor had to say. 

For more information, call the specialists on 01730 812000 or contact us at info@justchaps.com 

What to Wear at Pony Club Camp

Date posted: 08/07/2019

Pony CLub Waterproof Trousers

The Summer holidays are just around the corner and lots of young riders will be planning Summer activities with their Pony. The highlight of the year for many young jockeys is Pony Club Camp.  As you can imagine, the organisation behind these events is extensive and coordinating dozens of children and dozens of ponies is no mean feat. In preparation, every member will be handed a very long list of what to bring both for themselves and their pony down to every last detail including quantity of buckets, sponges and brushes. Here at Just Chaps we can help advise riders on the best riding chaps and waterproofs.

You may wonder why riders need riding chaps? Essentially they protect the lower legs from bruising and rubbing from the stirrup straps. Half Chaps need to fit the lower leg snugly so as not to twist and should be comfortable. The Pony Club range of Half Chaps includes Classic Leather which are shaped to hug the leg and made from traditional hard-wearing yet soft leather. Look after your leather Half Chaps with your favourite leather cleaner and feed. The other option is All Purpose which are also well cut to hug the leg and are made from stretchy neoprene. All Purpose are washable and easy care.

To keep clean and dry during Pony Club days out you will need a pair of Waterproofs – again there are two options: Waterproof Riding Trousers are designed to be worn both in the saddle or in the yard and have a full non-slip seat. Waterproof Full Chaps are also perfect for both riding and yard work when you need to stay clean and dry. The Dri Rider Full Chaps can also be removed whilst the rider is in the saddle so perfect for warming up at a show and keeping your jodphurs clean. All waterproofs are easy care and easy wear. Wash gently in cool water as required.

Should you need any help with any of our products, call our expert, friendly team on 01730 821000.

“My Endurance Chaps Made All the Difference!”

Date posted: 05/07/2019

jacqueline macmillan

Jacqueline Macmillan shares her passion for Endurance with us:

I love my Welsh cob Brynfa Gwanwen, AKA Misty. Welsh born, bought from Crew in July 2017 and now residing in Perthshire, Scotland. I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter pony and have been surprisingly blown away by her performance in endurance riding. Having successfully completed several pleasure rides last year, this year has been our progression to competitive rides.

I’m a member of the Scottish Endurance Riding Club (SERC). We have taster rides (8-14km), pleasure rides (15km-29km) and competitive rides (30kms upwards).  SERC members ride longer distances using the thistle grading system, this starts at Bronze Level (up to 50k), progressing to Silver (60k) and Gold (80k) Series; beyond that are the Platinum (120k) and Diamond (160k) Awards.

Misty successfully completed two 30km rides to achieve 2 bronze qualifiers allowing us to enter a 50km class and hopefully achieve our Bronze Thistle Final.

Endurance chaps designed to make endurance riding more comfortable

Spending longer in the saddle (and stirrups!) however was causing me some discomfort and having previously ridden in long leather boots my feet were aching. I changed to short boots and bought some soft tread stirrups and a pair of red Endurance Chaps from Just Chaps. What a difference it’s made!

So, kitted out in red and black we entered our first 50km ride at SERC’s Seacliff ride in East Lothian on 16th June 2019…wow what a fabulous route! Taking four hours and 31 minutes to complete the 51 km route, we thankfully vetted successfully and achieved our Bronze Thistle Final Award.

Thank you Helen and the Just Chaps team for sending me the chaps so quickly, they’ve been machine washed and are packed in their case ready for our next venture.

Photo courtesy of Susie Allison

Just Chaps Supports Scottish Endurance

Date posted: 02/07/2019

sheila bruce

Sheila Bruce talks of her passion for Endurance riding

Scottish Endurance Riding Club (SERC) is a Club which consists of 9 branches dotted around Scotland in the west, east, south all the way to the far north to Orkney. It’s a great way to meet like-minded people and enjoy the great Scottish countryside, being able to travel and participate in Rides with your favourite four-legged friends. Our rides range in distance from 8km through to 160kms in a day and we also have some lovely two or three day rides. Our Scottish Festival of Endurance will held in Peebles in the Scottish Borders this year with lovely tracks and some hills with some great scenery to take in.

Just Chaps sponsor Ride classes

Just Chaps are sponsoring some of our Ride classes this year which is great, their chaps are such a good fit and in particular, their breathable chaps (Summer Cool Chaps) which are just perfect for Endurance Riding, have to say I ride with them all the time at home and away. All types of horses participate in Endurance Rides, Highlands, Cobs, Arabs etc. If you ride 3-4 times a week and your horse is fit you can start with Taster (8k-14k) or Pleasure rides (15k-29k). When I started Endurance Riding I was only going to do Pleasure Rides but the bug bit and me and my lovely Arab ended up doing 120km in a day such a great experience and I believe there is no other sport that allows you to have such a close partnership with your horse and it’s such a great feeling, one you never forget.

For more information on SERC, please visit their website.