Month: January 2025

Just Chaps Supports Scottish Endurance Riding

photo of Sheila Bruce, at an endurance ride, supported by Just Chaps.

What Is the Scottish Endurance Riding Club?

For many years, Just Chaps has been proud to support Scottish Endurance. The Scottish Endurance Riding Club (SERC) has eight regional branches across Scotland, organising rides and events for riders of different experience levels.

Endurance riding gives horse and rider combinations the opportunity to follow marked routes through varied countryside. Events range from introductory rides for newcomers to more demanding distances for experienced endurance riders.

Just Chaps Connects with Endurance Riding

Just Chaps has a long-standing connection with endurance riding. The company’s founder was an endurance rider, and this first-hand experience helped shape the development of half chaps designed for long hours in the saddle. Comfort, flexibility and durability remain especially important for riders covering longer distances.


Why Half Chaps Work Well for Endurance Riding

Endurance riders spend long hours in the saddle, so comfortable, well-fitting half chaps can make a real difference. They help protect the lower leg while providing the flexibility and durability needed for riding over longer distances.

Comfort

Comfort is essential during long hours in the saddle. SERC competitor Sheila Bruce favours our Cool Riding Half Chaps, which are made from lightweight, perforated faux suede. They are breathable, flexible and washable, making them particularly suitable for endurance riding, warmer weather and riding holidays.

For further insights into these popular lightweight Half Chaps, check out our blog, “Which Half Chaps Are Best for Summer.”

Durability

Durability is equally important for endurance riders. Half chaps need to withstand regular use over varied terrain while remaining comfortable throughout the ride. Just Chaps uses durable fabrics, reliable zips and practical designs to create half chaps suitable for demanding everyday riding.

Not sure which style would suit you? Read our Complete Guide to Half Chaps for help comparing the different options, or use our Half Chaps and Gaiters Sizing Guide to find your size. If you would like personal advice, please contact us and we will be happy to help.


Continuing to Support Scottish Endurance

Just Chaps is proud of its long-standing connection with Scottish Endurance and the riders who take part in this demanding discipline. We remain committed to providing comfortable, durable half chaps that allow riders to concentrate on their horses and enjoy their time in the saddle.

If you would like help choosing the right half chaps, please contact us for friendly, specialist advice.

Children’s Riding Half Chaps and Gaiters: Styles and Sizing

Child wearing black All Purpose Riding Half Chaps with short riding boots

Children’s riding half chaps and gaiters provide a comfortable layer between the lower leg and stirrup leathers when worn with short riding boots. From washable neoprene half chaps for everyday riding to smart leather styles, there are several options for young riders.

This guide explains the differences between the styles and how to choose a suitable size, including options for toddlers.

Why Wear Half Chaps or Gaiters?

Half chaps and gaiters help reduce rubbing from stirrup leathers against the lower leg. Worn with short riding boots, they offer a practical alternative to long boots.

A close, comfortable fit matters. They should stay in place without twisting or dropping, while allowing the child to bend their knee comfortably.

All Purpose Children’s Riding Half Chaps

Our All Purpose Children’s Riding Half Chaps are a practical choice for riding lessons, hacking and everyday use.

Their soft, stretchy neoprene makes them comfortable to wear, while a stretch panel provides extra flexibility in fit.

Features include:

  • Soft, flexible neoprene
  • Machine washable for easy care
  • A durable YKK zip and popper fastening
  • Available in black and brown
  • Five children’s sizes, from Child Extra Small to Child Tall

They can be worn with traditional jodhpur boots or chunkier riding boots.

Half Chaps for Toddlers

For younger children, our All Purpose Toddler Riding Half Chaps have a shape designed for smaller legs.

Made from soft, stretchy neoprene, they are comfortable and washable. Dinky Dinky is intended for approximately age two, while Super Small is intended for approximately ages three to four.

These ages are a starting point rather than a guarantee of fit. Check the measurements before choosing a size.

Just Fun Children’s Riding Half Chaps

The Just Fun range combines stretchy neoprene with colourful designs and motifs. These washable half chaps are a cheerful option for younger riders.

Choose from:

Sizes vary between designs, so check the individual product page for the available options. Motif designs are also available in our toddler half chaps range.

National Team Riding Half Chaps

Our National Team Riding Half Chaps offer the option of adding a national flag to the All Purpose design.

Children’s sizes are available for young riders who would like to wear their chosen flag. As these are personalised orders, please check the sizing and bespoke order information before ordering.

Saltos Children’s Leather Riding Half Chaps

Our Saltos Children’s Leather Riding Half Chaps offer a smart leather option for everyday riding and competition.

The soft leather and stretch leather panel provide comfort and flexibility, while the side zip makes them straightforward to put on.

Features include:

  • Soft, durable full-grain leather
  • A stretch leather panel for flexibility in fit
  • A side zip with a durable YKK fastening
  • Children’s sizes including Child Tall
  • A Child Medium 1 option for additional calf room

Choose a snug, comfortable fit, as the leather will give with wear.

Saltos Children’s Leather Riding Gaiters

Our Saltos Children’s Leather Riding Gaiters create the smart appearance of long riding boots when worn with jodhpur boots.

Made from full-grain leather, they have a breathable faux suede lining, elastic stretch panels and a secure rear zip.

Gaiters have a more structured shape than half chaps. They are designed for traditional jodhpur boots rather than chunky riding boots.

For a fuller explanation of the differences, read our guide to riding half chaps and gaiters.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Child

Children of the same age can have different calf measurements and heights, so age alone will not determine the best fit. Size availability also varies between styles.

To get started:

  • Measure both calves at their widest point while your child wears their usual riding trousers.
  • Note your child’s approximate height and age.
  • Compare their measurements with the size chart for the chosen style.
  • Follow any additional measuring instructions on the product page.

Use our sizing guide for more information.

Avoid choosing an oversized pair simply to allow room for growth. Half chaps and gaiters need to fit closely enough to stay in place, without being uncomfortably tight.

Caring for Children’s Half Chaps and Gaiters

Always follow the care instructions supplied with the product.

Neoprene half chaps are washable, making them a practical option for muddy riding days. Allow them to dry fully before storing them.

Leather half chaps and gaiters need a different care routine. Remove surface dirt gently, let them dry naturally and use suitable leather-care products. Keep the zips free from mud and grit.

For detailed advice, read our guide to caring for leather half chaps and gaiters.

Need Help Choosing?

If you’re unsure which style or size to choose, contact us. Tell us your child’s approximate height, age, calf measurements and the boots they wear, and we’ll be happy to help.

For more advice, read our complete guide to half chaps or complete guide to riding gaiters.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas for Horse Riders

Horse and foal standing together for a Mother’s Day gift guide

The Perfect Mother’s Day Gift

Finding the right Mother’s Day gift for a horse rider can be difficult, particularly if you are unsure about sizes or riding preferences. From practical riding wear to a flexible gift voucher, Just Chaps offers useful gifts that riders can enjoy throughout the year.

Why Just Chaps Makes the Perfect Gift

Just Chaps specialises in comfortable, practical riding wear designed to suit riders of different heights and calf widths. Our range includes half chaps, gaiters and waterproof riding wear for everyday riding and time spent around the yard.

Choosing the correct size can sometimes be difficult when buying a surprise. Our detailed sizing information can help, while a Just Chaps gift voucher allows the recipient to select their preferred product, colour and fit.

If you’re unsure what to choose, read our guide to Just Chaps gift vouchers for riders to find out how they work.

Top Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day

  1. All Purpose Half Chaps: Stretchy, comfortable and machine washable, making them a practical choice for everyday riding, hacking and schooling.
  2. Dri-Rider Waterproof Riding Trousers: Lightweight waterproof trousers designed to help riders stay dry and comfortable in wet weather.
  3. Cool Riding Half Chaps: A breathable option for warmer weather, designed to provide a close and comfortable fit.
  4. Just Chaps Gift Voucher: A useful choice when you are unsure about size, colour or style, allowing the recipient to choose exactly what suits them.

A Practical Mother’s Day Gift

Whether she rides regularly, helps at the yard or spends weekends supporting from the sidelines, practical riding wear can make a thoughtful Mother’s Day gift. Choose from half chaps, gaiters and waterproof riding wear, or let her decide with a Just Chaps gift voucher.

Browse our full range to find a gift that suits her riding needs.