Month: September 2025

Short Riding Half Chaps and Gaiters: Finding Your Fit

Date posted: 26/09/2025

Rider wearing black short riding half chaps with short riding boots

Choosing a shorter fit

Finding half chaps or gaiters in the right height can be difficult if you need a shorter fit. A pair that is too tall may press behind the knee or bunch around the ankle.

Just Chaps offers Extra Short and Short heights across our adult half chaps and gaiters ranges, with a choice of calf widths. This guide explains how to choose a suitable height, width and style.

How should a shorter pair fit?

Half chaps and gaiters should sit comfortably below the back of the knee and fit closely around the calf and ankle. You should be able to bend your knee freely, and the zip should close securely without being forced.

Choose the height and calf width separately. Needing a shorter pair does not necessarily mean you need a smaller calf size.

Half chaps and gaiters in shorter heights

Wear half chaps or gaiters with short riding boots. For everyday riding, choose from neoprene, suede, breathable fabric or leather styles. Leather gaiters offer a more traditional appearance for riders who prefer the look of long boots.

Styles to choose from

  • Saltos Leather Riding Half Chaps – unlined leather for a close, flexible fit.
  • Saltos Leather Riding Gaiters – lined leather for a smart, traditional appearance.
  • Classic Suede Riding Half Chaps – soft suede with stretch panels for flexibility in fit.
  • Cool Riding Half Chaps – breathable panels for warmer weather.
  • All Purpose Riding Half Chaps – washable neoprene for everyday riding.

Choosing your height and calf width

Use your approximate height to identify the most suitable height category, then measure around the widest part of your calf while wearing your usual riding breeches, jodhpurs or tights. Keep the tape level and close to your leg without pulling it tight.

Check both measurements against the sizing guide for your chosen half chaps or gaiters. If you’re between sizes or unsure which fit to choose, contact us for personal fitting advice.

Need more calf room?

Our shorter half chaps and gaiters come in a choice of calf widths. If you need more room than our widest sizes provide, zip extension panels are available for Saltos Leather Riding Gaiters, All Purpose Riding Half Chaps, Cool Riding Half Chaps and Classic Suede Riding Half Chaps.

Choose the panel designed for your product range and size. Our extension-panel guide explains how they attach and what to check before ordering.

For more advice on styles and fit, read our complete guide to half chaps or our complete guide to gaiters.

How to Wash and Care for Dri-Rider Waterproof Trousers and Full Chaps

Date posted: 25/09/2025

how do you care for dri-rider waterproof trousers?

Can You Wash Dri-Rider Waterproofs?

Caring for your Dri-Rider waterproofs correctly helps maintain their waterproofness and breathability. In this guide, we explain how the fabric technology works and how to wash and care for Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps and Waterproof Trousers.

How Dri-Rider Waterproof Fabric Works

Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps and Waterproof Trousers use slightly different layered constructions, but both are designed to provide waterproof and windproof protection while allowing moisture vapour to escape. This helps keep riders dry and comfortable without adding unnecessary bulk.

  • Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps use a three-layer construction consisting of a tough Taslan outer fabric, a microporous Reissa membrane and an inner lining.
  • The Reissa membrane prevents water droplets from passing through while allowing moisture vapour to escape.
  • Dri-Rider Waterproof Trousers use a two-layer construction, with a waterproof membrane bonded to the outer fabric and a separate breathable mesh lining.
  • The seams are taped to help prevent water from entering through the stitching.

Diagram showing the three-layer waterproof fabric construction used in Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps

How to Wash and Care for Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps

Caring for your Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps is straightforward. Allow mud to dry and brush off any loose dirt after use. Wash them when necessary to prevent dirt and perspiration from building up and affecting the waterproof membrane’s breathability.

  • Fasten all zips and hook-and-loop fastenings, and shorten the stirrup straps before washing.
  • Machine wash on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 40°C.
  • Use a mild, non-biological detergent.
  • Do not use bleach, solvents or fabric softener, as these may damage or clog the waterproof membrane.
  • Do not scrub the fabric.
  • Hang to dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct heat.
  • Do not tumble dry.
  • Do not apply a reproofing treatment, as this may reduce breathability and trap moisture inside.

Following these care instructions will help maintain the waterproof performance and breathability of your Full Chaps.

Waterproof Performance of Dri-Rider Waterproof Trousers

Both Dri-Rider Waterproof Riding Trousers and Dri-Rider Waterproof Country Trousers use waterproof two-layer fabric with taped seams. Their technical performance includes:

  • A microporous waterproof membrane bonded to the outer fabric, allowing moisture vapour to escape.
  • An external finish that helps repel rain, snow and dirt.
  • Fabric tested to EN 343 3:3, with waterproof testing of up to 15,000mm.

How to Wash and Care for Dri-Rider Waterproof Trousers

After use, hang your trousers by the back hanging loop and allow them to dry fully. Brush off any loose, dried mud before washing. When a full wash is needed, follow these care instructions:

  • Fasten all zips and hook-and-loop fastenings before washing. If your trousers have stirrup straps, shorten them.
  • Machine wash on a gentle cycle at a maximum of 40°C.
  • Use a mild, non-biological detergent.
  • Do not use bleach, solvents or fabric softener, as these may damage or clog the waterproof membrane.
  • Hang to dry naturally at room temperature, away from direct heat.
  • Do not tumble dry.
  • Do not apply a reproofing treatment, as this may reduce breathability and trap moisture inside.

Following these instructions will help maintain the waterproof performance and breathability of your Dri-Rider Waterproof Trousers

Explore the Dri-Rider Range

For more help choosing the right waterproof riding wear, read our Complete Guide to Waterproof Riding Wear. You can also explore our Dri-Rider Waterproof Riding Trousers and Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps.

If you need any further advice about choosing or caring for your Dri-Rider waterproofs, please get in touch or call us on 01403 820887.

All Purpose Riding Half Chaps: Comfort, Fit and Everyday Use

Date posted: 25/09/2025

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

All Purpose Riding Half Chaps were the first half chaps we designed at Just Chaps. Made from soft, stretchy neoprene, they remain a practical choice for riders who want comfort, flexibility and easy care.

The range includes adult, children’s and toddler sizes. Whether you are starting riding, schooling regularly or preparing for longer rides, here is what to know about their material, fit and care.

Why Choose Neoprene Half Chaps?

Neoprene is lightweight, flexible and hard-wearing. It offers a snug, comfortable fit without needing the same wearing-in period as leather.

Our All Purpose Riding Half Chaps have a stretch panel behind the side zip for additional flexibility in fit. The zip fastens from top to bottom, with a popper fastening to secure it.

Their main features include:

  • Soft, stretchy neoprene for comfort.
  • A stretch panel to accommodate different calf shapes.
  • Durable material for regular riding.
  • Machine-washable fabric for straightforward care.
  • A flexible design that works with jodhpur boots and chunkier riding boots.

Suitable for Beginners and Everyday Riders

All Purpose half chaps are a useful option for beginners because they are comfortable from the first wear and simple to look after.

They also suit experienced riders who prefer short riding boots and half chaps as an alternative to long boots. Wear them for lessons, hacking and schooling, choosing a size that feels secure and comfortable.

For help comparing materials and styles, read our Complete Guide to Riding Half Chaps.

Adult, Children’s and Toddler Sizes

The All Purpose range offers different heights and calf widths, helping riders find a suitable combination.

Our children’s All Purpose Riding Half Chaps provide the same soft neoprene construction in smaller sizes. We also offer Dinky Half Chaps for ages two to four.

Check the sizing information for the product you are choosing rather than relying on age or your usual clothing size.

Choosing Your Size

Measure around the widest part of your calf while wearing your riding trousers. For adult sizes, use your height and calf measurement with our sizing guide.

The neoprene and stretch panel allow some flexibility, but the half chaps should still feel snug and comfortable. You should be able to fasten the zip without forcing it.

Try them with the boots you plan to wear. This is particularly useful if you alternate between jodhpur boots and chunkier riding boots.

Need Additional Calf Room?

Our Riding Half Chaps Zip Extension Panel adds calf room to compatible All Purpose Riding Half Chaps.

The panel zips between the two sides of the existing zip. Choose the extension panel that matches the height of your half chaps and check the compatibility information on the product page.

This panel also works with our Cool Riding Half Chaps and Classic Suede Riding Half Chaps.

A Rider’s Experience of Endurance Riding

Jacqueline Macmillan chose All Purpose half chaps when she changed from long leather boots to short boots and half chaps for endurance riding.

After trying several pairs, she found the All Purpose style comfortable for longer rides with her pony, Misty. She also appreciated being able to machine wash them afterwards.

Read Jacqueline and Misty’s endurance riding story for their experience.

Caring for All Purpose Riding Half Chaps

Keeping your neoprene half chaps clean is straightforward:

  • Fasten the zips, poppers and any Velcro before washing.
  • Machine wash at 30°C, following the care label.
  • Hang them to dry away from direct heat.
  • Keep the zips free from mud and grit.

Allow them to dry fully before storing them ready for your next ride.

Need Help Choosing?

If you are unsure which size to choose, contact the Just Chaps team.

For adult sizing, tell us your height, calf measurement and which boots you wear. We can help you choose a suitable fit or advise whether an extension panel would be useful.

Just Chaps Supports the Georgie Campbell Foundation

Date posted: 24/09/2025

Rider wearing the Georgie Campbell Foundation Base Layer White and holding a riding helmet

Just Chaps is proud to support the Georgie Campbell Foundation through our Georgie Campbell Foundation Base Layer range. Each purchase contributes towards the Foundation’s work to improve cross-country safety and help riders establish their eventing businesses.

About the Georgie Campbell Foundation

The Foundation was established in memory of five-star event rider Georgie Campbell. It honours her love of horses and eventing by supporting the future of the sport.

The Foundation focuses on two main areas:

  • Improving horse and rider safety by supporting the use of frangible devices, which allow cross-country fences to collapse on impact and help reduce the risk of rotational falls.
  • Helping riders establish and run early-stage eventing businesses through mentoring, training, coaching and grants.

This support helps riders develop the practical skills needed to run an eventing business, alongside their training and competition commitments.

You can read more about the Georgie Campbell Foundation and its work on the Foundation’s website.

Our GCF Base Layer Range

Our base layers combine practical riding comfort with a way to support the Foundation. They are suitable for everyday riding, schooling and yard work, with stretch fabric that allows you to move freely.

The moisture-wicking fabric helps draw sweat away from your skin, while the thermal fabric helps regulate body temperature. Wear the base layer on its own when conditions suit, or beneath additional layers in colder weather.

The range is available in White, Black and Purple. You can view the Georgie Campbell Foundation Base Layer range to explore the colours and sizes.

How your purchase helps

When you buy a base layer from Just Chaps, your purchase contributes towards the Foundation’s work. It is a practical way to support improvements in cross-country safety and help riders building their businesses.

Explore other ways to support the Foundation, including fundraising and volunteering.

Need Help Choosing?

If you’re unsure which base layer or size to choose, we’re happy to help. Contact us for personal advice.