Month: March 2026

What is the difference between Riding Half Chaps and Gaiters ?

Date posted: 24/03/2026

brown leather gaiters for smart competition wear

Which should you choose: Half Chaps or Gaiters ?

Many riders wonder about the difference between half chaps and gaiters when choosing the right riding kit. Although they look similar, these two types of lower leg protection have differences in design. In this article, we’ll explain the key differences between half chaps and gaiters, helping you decide which option is best for your riding style and needs.

Do Riders need Half Chaps or Gaiters ?

The answer is Yes! but before we look at the differences between the two, it is important to understand why this piece of riding kit is so important. Both Half Chaps & Gaiters protect the inside of the lower leg from pinching between the saddle and the stirrup strap. Any rider who has ridden without this protection will tell you just how uncomfortable – and scarring ! this can be. This article tells you more about the benefits of riding chaps.

Half Chaps

Half chaps protect half the leg – from below the knee to ankle. Full chaps protect the full length of the leg from crotch to ankle. The original full chaps – full-length leg covering worn by the cowboys of Mexico (The Chapparal), to protect their legs from gorze and scrubland. Full Chaps cover the full length of the legs from the top down to the ankle.

Here are key features of Half Chaps:

  • They protect the lower leg from rubbing and pinching of the stirrup strap
  • Can offer support of the lower leg for the rider
  • Protects the lower leg from knocks and scrapes when out hacking
  • Half chaps have the zip down the side of the leg and zip downwards from the knee
  • Half chaps usually have elasticated panels at the side and/or ankle to allow for greater flexibility and comfort
  • Half chaps tend to have a slight shaping at the top
  • Half Chaps can be made from a variety of textiles: leather, suede, neoprene, faux suede
  • Half Chaps tend to be cheaper than gaiters
  • Half Chaps tend to be used more for everyday riding, rather than for competition
  • Half Chaps can be worn with chunky riding boots, making them an excellent choice for riding holidays, endurance riding and long hours in the saddle.

Riding Leather Gaiters

Gaiters are similar to Half Chaps in that they protect the lower leg.  Key differences Gaiters are that :

  • we position the zip at the back
  • the zip works from the bottom to the top
  • our back zip design gives a neater size view and replicates the look of a long boot
  • to replicate the look of a long boot, we make our gaiters from leather
  • they offer a less expensive option than long boots
  • they offer many more sizing options than long boots

We are thrilled that our design recently won Best Value Gaiters in Horse & Rider Magazine. Take a look how the Horse & Rider love this great product.

This is just an intro to our Saltos Leather Gaiters – but there’s much more to learn.

Saltos Leather Riding Half Chaps

Scoring 9/10 in Horse & Hound, Saltos Leather Half Chaps are perfect for competition or an everyday smart look. They combine great leg-hugging shape with a unique “stretch-leather” panel for comfort and flexibility. Easy to fit with a side zip and built to last with durable, high quality leather and a YKK zip. All sizes and widths are available to fit all riders.

Saltos Half Chaps are the perfect combination of excellent shape and excellent leather. This award-winning product offers:

Material

Premium full-grain, soft leather for durability and comfort
Easy-care – wipe clean and feed with leather balsam

Sizing Guide

Designed to fit all riders – all calf widths; all lengths
Simply measure the calf at its widest and know the rider’s height. See Sizing Guide

Award-winning

Scored 9/10 in Horse and Hound for comfort, fit and durability
“Definitely recommend”

Why Choose Saltos Leather Half Chaps?.

  • Perfect for schooling, competition or everyday riding
  • Combine close-fit feel of tall boots with the convenience of half chaps
  • A premium, reliable choice for all riders
  • Fast delivery options in the UK and worldwide. Contact us for extra info on info@justchaps.com

Leather Riding Full Chaps, Half Chaps & Gaiters. Which one is right for you?

Date posted: 24/03/2026

rider wearing saltos leather riding gaiters

Trust the Specialists: Just Chaps.

Many riders search for “leather riding chaps” without realising there are different types. This guide explains the differences between leather half chaps, riding gaiters and full chaps, helping you choose the right pair for your riding style, comfort, and level.

Just Chaps are the UK specialist when it comes to offering riding half chaps, gaiters and full chaps. Let’s look at all options.

Full Chaps: Leather or Waterproof Dri-Rider.

Full Chaps cover the whole length of the leg. Our extensive Dri Rider range of full chaps are worn to keep you warm, dry and clean. Waterproof and lightweight,  they can be worn all year round whether you’re mucking out or riding out. They will also help to prevent pinching of the lower leg caused by stirrup straps. Dri-Rider full chaps are available in all sizes from Age 6 to Adult XL. All adult sizes are available in 2 leg lengths.  Our Full Chaps come in two weights: a fleece-lined option for colder weather and a summer or lightweight version.

Summer-weight waterproof full chaps, perfect for keeping dry and clean.

Leather Full Chaps

Full chaps cover the entire leg from crotch to ankle, offering maximum protection and style. They’re typically worn by more advanced riders or those looking for full leg coverage.

  • Ideal for: Serious training, long rides, or riders who prefer full leg protection
  • Brand highlight: We sell the Equino Leather Full Chaps, crafted from high-quality leather for durability and comfort.

Key features:

  • Full-leg coverage
  • Durable leather construction
  • Classic, professional look

What are Leather Half Chaps?

Leather half chaps are designed to cover the lower leg, sitting snugly above your boots. They provide extra grip, comfort, and protection while riding, without covering the full leg. Riding Half Chaps have a zip at the outside of the leg, for ease of use.

  • Beginner tip: Many beginners refer to half chaps simply as “riding chaps.”
  • Ideal for: Everyday riding, lessons, hacking, and general training.
  • Our recommendation: Check out our Saltos Leather Half Chaps for a classic fit and wide range of sizes.

Key features:

  • Available in multiple sizes
  • Easy to wear over riding boots, including more chunky designs
  • Durable leather for comfort and protection
  • Getting the right size is important. Take a look at our sizing guide or visit our website for further help.
  • Take a look at our advice here on what to buy for young riders.
  • Have you seen our buyer’s guide on best half chaps for men?

What Are Leather Riding Gaiters?

Riding gaiters are similar to half chaps but include a zip at the back. This design is to create the look of a long boot. Do you struggle to find long boots that fit well? If so, perhaps Saltos Gaiters are the solution for you.

  • Ideal for: Riders who want a secure fit with a back-zip option
  • Beginner tip: If you’re unsure whether you need half chaps or gaiters, check for the zip — that’s the main difference.
  • Our recommendation: See our Leather Riding Gaiters collection for more.

Key features:

  • Back zip for style
  • Protects the lower leg like half chaps
  • Stylish and practical for training or hacking

We hope that this article has been helpful. You can browse our range of Full Chaps and Half Chaps on-line to help you decide which option is best. If you need more information, talk to our friendly team, who will be happy to help. Call us on 01403 820887 or email info@justchaps.com. We look forward to chatting.

Saltos Leather Half Chaps: Score 9/10 in Horse and Hound. Buy today!

Date posted: 17/03/2026

leather half chaps in black by just chaps

Saltos Leather Half Chaps score 9/10.

Saltos Leather Half Chaps have been independently reviewed by Horse & Hound, earning an impressive score of 9/10. In this guide, we breakdown what makes them stand out and why riders trust and love them.

“Tried and Tested” involves rigorous wear of a product to put it through its paces for style, fit and value. The Saltos Leather Half Chaps scored an impressive 9/10 during recent tests carried out by Horse & Hound.

The Horse & Hound test rider announced: “These Just Chaps Saltos half chaps are beautiful and made of lovely supple leather – they are the best leather half chaps I’ve tried. They’re smart enough to compete in and fit beautifully”.

Saltos is the Just Chaps premium range of leather half chaps and gaiters. Saltos Half Chaps combine good looks and great shape. They are made from only the best leather – aniline leather – which translates into a product for riders that is comfortable and good looking in equal measure. This makes them perfect for both competition and everyday riding.

male rider sat on stool wearing Saltos Leather Half Chaps in brown

Horse and Hound also loved the sturdy, easy to reach side zip with poppers at top and bottom for added security.

Learn more about the stretch leather panels which allow a snug yet flexible fit. This unique feature panel allows riders of all shapes and sizes to wear Saltos chaps as a great everyday option or smart for competition. The stretch leather section at the front “toe” allows the chaps to be worn with chunkier riding boots. Several of our Half Chaps designs can be worn with chunky boots; contact us if you have any queries.

The final test is for value for money where Saltos compared very favourably with other brands. Value score: 8/10.

You can learn more from the Horse and Hound article.

Sizes for All Riders.

Here at Just Chaps, we aim to fit more riders and have made Saltos Leather Half Chaps in the following lengths; Extra Short, Short, Medium and Tall. Saltos leather are available in a complete range of width fittings also.

Take a look at our easy Sizing Guide – where we use rider height – to find your perfect fit. Simply measure your calf and then use the rider’s height to find your perfect fit.

Saltos Premium Leather Half Chaps are available to buy direct on-line or from one of our UK stockists.

Unsure about whether you prefer Gaiters or Half Chaps ? Read about our award-winning Gaiters here – or compare both products here.

Don’t hesitate to contact us with any product or sizing queries.

Unique Stretch Leather Saltos Half Chaps : why fit and flexibility matters to riders.

Date posted: 17/03/2026

Horse rider wearing Saltos Leather Half Chaps in black

SALTOS Leather Half Chaps; with unique stretch leather.

Just Chaps are proud to introduce Saltos Leather Half Chaps. This latest premium product represents a new generation in riding chaps. Great looking and great fitting, Saltos Chaps are perfect for an everyday smart look or for competition. The stretch leather panel makes this possible. Here we talk you through why this product is trusted and loved by so many riders. 

Why Saltos Leather? 

Saltos Half Chaps combine the great looks and feel of top quality gaiters with the simplicity and comfort of half chaps.

Many riders struggle to wear or find long boots that work for them. Saltos Leather Chaps offer riders a great solution to the long boot problem. These leather half chaps not only fit really well, but look great too. 

We only use Premium full-grain aniline leather and the shape is designed to fit and hug the leg of riders of all shapes and sizes. 

The easy to reach YKK side zip and popper are sturdy and build to last.  A full range of sizes is available with attention given to several width fittings to cater for wider-fitting calves. You can read more about the Just Chaps range of wider-fitting Half Chaps & Gaiters in this blog. 

Unique stretch leather panel

The unique stretch leather panel allows a snug and comfortable fit. With sizes in all widths and lengths, the stretch panel means that all riders can find leather half chaps that look great and feel great. We use the same stretch leather at the “toe” of the half chaps which, together with the side stretch panel, allows these chaps to be worn with chunky riding boots. 

Interested in learning more about our complete Saltos range of half chaps and gaiters? This will make an interesting read.

Saltos Leather Half Chaps are also loved by Horse & Hound, take a read!

Don’t hesitate to contact us should you have question on any of our products.