I am thrilled with the news that Just Chaps have won yet another industry award. In 2023, the Dri-Rider range of Waterproof Riding Trousers won “Best in Test” having been put through their paces by judges from Horse & Rider magazine. (The first Best in Test award was awarded in 2018 by Horse & Hound who stated that the Dri-Rider range were the best that Waterproof Trousers had to offer).
Dri-Rider riding trousers are a high performance, technical piece of kit, essential for all riders. They are lightweight and breathable and can be worn all year round with perhaps a pair of thermal tights in the coldest conditions or for those people who suffer from the cold. They are perfect for in the saddle, in the yard and at shows. Riders love these award-winning trousers because they can be worn as trousers or over-trousers , have a non-slip seat, hi-viz piping and adjustable stirrup straps.
Technically Advanced Waterproof Trousers
Technically, the Dri-Rider range is at the top of this game. Waterproof textiles have greatly improved over the last few years and we spend considerable time investigating how to keep our Dri-Rider trousers technically advanced. We use a fully waterproof 2-layer fabric technology and a fast-wicking mesh inner lining. The 2-layer outer is made up of a tough yet lightweight shell with a highly breathable micro-porous membrane fused onto it. The membrane allows sweat particles out but does not allow water (rain) particles in. All seams are taped and we only use the best available waterproof zips.
In terms of testing, this fabric meets standards EN 343 3.3 – which is the highest level of waterproofness and breathability. This equates to a testing of up to 15,000mm.
How do you care for your Dri-Rider trousers…? that’s easy. Simply pop them in the washing machine with zips and velcro fastened, on a 40 degree wash. Only use non-biological detergent and no fabric conditioner (as this clogs the pores). Do not dry directly on a heat source – this will break down the vital taped seams. Simply hang the trousers over a rack to dry.
Sizes for Everyone
Sizing is critical – and we have introduced enough sizes to fit virtually all riders. We start from Age 2 with our Toddler Waterpoof Trousers, a simple pull-on design perfect for ponies and play. Child sizes start from Age 6 to Age 12 and mirror the design of the adult trousers. Adult trousers are sized from Adult XS (approx size 8) to XXL (approx size 18) and come in 3 leg lengths, Short, Regular and Long.
Here to Help
Keen to find out more ? We’re here to help. Call us on 01730 812000 – note, the office is not always manned so perhaps email us on info@justhchaps. We look forward to hearing from you!
Just Chaps’ owner, Helen Salmon, explains how spotting a gap in the market led to developing a range of waterproof riding trousers for men, women and children – that rapidly became best-sellers and won the company their first product development award.
Once upon a time …
How did it all begin? A family of 4 – pony and dog mad, spending half their lives at the yard, at shows and at various Pony Club events. And, of course, in all weathers. You’ve seen it all before: Kids larking around, generally getting amazingly dirty, covered from head to toe in shavings and hay. Mum busily keeping it all together with lots of standing around, watching and waiting. And Dad muscling the hay bales and grumbling about burning £20 notes.
The original waterproof riding trousers, a simple over-trouser design, yet very effective.
Just Chaps – the family business, which we were juggling with ponies and kids – was doing very well supplying hundreds of like-minded people with the Just Chaps original waterproof over-trousers. You may remember them – they were simple in design, basically two rectangles with an elasticated waist, brought together by two full-length zips. In their day, they were brilliant – you could whip them off in the saddle (poor pony!), required little or no maintenance and kept you pretty much dry and clean. However, they didn’t fit very well and they could make you a bit warm. The reason for this was how the fabric was waterproofed. The nylon outer layer was “plasticated” on the underside – basically a thin layer of plastic was sprayed on to coat the material and prevent water from coming through. Brilliant in their day, but wear and tear meant that the coating wore off, so in areas of friction, you would spring a leak.
Have another cup of tea
So back in the kitchen, over yet more tea, we researched and put together ideas for the next generation of waterproof trousers. Fortunately the revolutionary microporous membrane was now available (think Goretex). This clever, wispy thin membrane worked by having tiny holes – or pores – which were too small to allow water in – but still large enough to allow water vapour (ie sweat !) out. No more plasticated fabric. The membrane would sit under the tough nylon outer layer and do the wonderful job of allowing moisture vapour to escape but not let rain droplets through. And a lightweight inner lining provided more protection for this membrane.
The new fabric, with tough nylon outer, had an impermeable membrane which allows moisture out but does not allow rain in.
A star is born
At the same time we completely changed the cut and fit of the trousers and added several new features.
The new model had to be:
Unisex
Well cut and fitting – so it fits like a proper pair of trousers
Slim in the leg – but just wide enough to take a pair of country boots (with boot access zips up to the calf)
With a non-slip seat
Nice and high in the waist to keep out drafts and rain down the small of your back
With stirrup straps to avoid ride up (which of course are adjustable and removable).
After many, many prototypes we had landed on a fantastic new product.
Don’t forget the sizes!
We knew that were going to need A LOT of sizes. Not wanting to leave anyone out, we opted for 3 leg lengths in each of our 7 sizes – and that was before we started on the kids. Well – if we wanted to be The Specialist in Riding Waterproofs – then we needed to be able to fit everyone.
And the kids had to be treated the same. This doesn’t come cheap but we couldn’t skimp. Same trousers as the adults, just smaller and with 6 special sizes.
Waterproof riding trousers to fit the whole family.
Time to Celebrate!
In 2019 Horse and Hound put our new trousers into their “Tried and Tested” award scheme where we won “Best in Test”. Our first professional accolade was awarded at Olympia that year and from then on our riding waterproof trousers flew out the door. Continuing to grow our sales on line and at shows, we also began to win prestigious accounts such as Gleneagles and the RAF. Many more independent equestrian shops asked to stock them too.
In 2019 Horse and Hound put our new waterproof riding trousers into their “Tried and Tested” award scheme and we won “Best in Test”.
Branding
With this success, we decided that they deserved a brand name of their own. Many, many, more cups of tea.
We had been calling our waterproof full chaps (their sister-product) “Dri Riders” for some time so it made sense that we put all of our waterproof riding products under one brand umbrella – Dri-Rider. We formally registered this as a Trademark. Dri-Rider Waterproof Systems is now recognised for uncompromising, all-weather performance for riders.
Dri-Rider – the brand name given to the range of waterproof riding trousers and full chaps.
Don’t Stand Still !
In product development you can only sit still for a wee while, so after only a couple of seasons we started to investigate how to improve these best-selling waterproof trousers.
We are fortunate to get to meet thousands of our customers at shows where people try on our products – we get to see how they fit again and again – and of course we hear direct from the customer exactly what they would like.
The next generation of fabric
It was time to look at the next generation of waterproof fabrics. After worldwide research and rigorous testing we are thrilled to have found a wonderful British supplier.
Why did we pick this new fabric..?
It has wonderful drape. Sounds a bit flouncy – but this makes the trousers even nicer to wear. Who’d have thought we’d be saying this about a pair of riding waterproofs ?
It’s a little lighter in weight which has its advantages – you can always add thermals if you need more warmth……
It’s made in the UK which not only makes us feel good, but is also easier to control and check
Most importantly, this marked the end of the 3-layer construction as the new fabric has an integral membrane and just a thin inner-lining, resulting in better performance and less weight
We are very proud of this latest upgrade to our waterproof trousers and feel sure you will love them.
Performance just keeps on improving
Our new Dri-Rider waterproof riding trousers are the most weatherproof yet, with a 3.3 score for waterproofing and breathability in British and European Standard EN343.
Easy wear, easy care. Whilst we continue to advise periodic gentle washing to keep the membrane clean and breathable, there is no longer any need to reproof the external layer.
If you have any questions relating to our products – be it sizing or technical, please do contact us on 01730 812000 or email info@justchaps.com. We are here to help ! Buy your waterproof trousers here.
With a love for horses and the great outdoors, it’s critical that we have a reliable pair of waterproofs. There really is nothing worse than getting wet and cold in the yard. The questions is – which option is best, waterproof riding trousers or waterproof full chaps?
The Just Chaps Dri-Rider range of waterproofs have been developed to help horse riders of all ages, sizes and disciplines stay dry and warm whether they’re in the yard, in the saddle or at a show. The Dri-Rider range will do an excellent job of keeping you dry. The outer layer is a durable nylon shell, layered with an impermeable membrane which keep out the rain droplets but allows heat and moisture from the body to escape. All seams are taped to ensure waterproofness. The end result is a comfortable, lightweight and reliable product.
Here are the main differences between Full Chaps and Trousers to help you decide which is best for you.
Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps & Riding Trousers – which is best for you?
Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps protect the legs completely from top to bottom. This flexible solution is super comfortable with a fully adjustable waist with elastic at the back and an adjustable clasp at the front. The legs are secured with 2 full-length zips covered by storm flaps. Hi Viz piping is added for extra visibility. The ankle is secured with an adjustable strap and removable stirrups straps, which are also adjustable, prevent ride-up. They are easy to wear and can be removed from the saddle – very useful at a show to keeping the rider clean and dry until you enter the arena.
Dri-Rider Full Chaps are available in two weights. Micro-fleece lined are warmer and cosier, perfect for those who feel the cold, suffer from chillblains or spend many hours outdoors. The lightweight version simply has a wicking lining (instead of the micro-fleece) – the perfect waterproof and windproof shell. All are washable – simply fasten velcro and fastenings and wash on a gentle 30 degree cycle. Do not use fabric softener as this clogs the membrane. Available from Age 6 to Adult XL and in 2 leg lengths.
Dri-Rider Waterproof Trousers. Multi award-winning performance wear, Crowned Best in Test by Horse & Hound and Best Waterproof Trousers by Horse & Rider so you can be confident of an excellent product. Comfortable and lightweight trousers with a non-slip seat and deep elastic panel at the back to keep out drafts. We use only the latest waterproofing technology for our Dri-Rider Trousers. The fabric is a fully-waterproof two-layer technology and all seams are taped. The two layers comprise a tough yet lightweight outer (with an impermeable membrane attached) and a breathable mesh lining. In terms of testing, this fabric meets standards EN 343 3.3 – which is the highest level of waterproofness and breathability. This equates to a testing of up to 15,000mm. Hi viz piping is added for safety and adjustable stirrup straps (which are removable) to prevent ride-up. Washable. Available from Age 2 to Adult XXL and in 3 leg lengths.
To find out more or find out your perfect fit, simply click here. Alternatively, call our expert friendly team on 01730 812000.
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