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.
Waterproof trousers or full chaps? – which are best for kids?
There is nothing worse than a soggy, miserable child in the yard, which is why the Just Chaps Dri-Rider range of riding waterproofs are so popular. But we are often asked which waterproofs will do the best job of helping to keep kids dry and warm: waterproof riding trousers or waterproof full chaps ? Which are best for kids?
Most importantly, both do the job of keeping you dry. And if you are dry, you are warmer. The trousers and full chaps are also hard-wearing – with a tough nylon shell and sturdy zips. Both styles also come in a wide range of waist, thigh and leg sizes to suit young riders of all ages, from tiny tots to teenagers
The basic difference between trousers and full chaps is that trousers cover your entire bottom half – from waist to ankle – whereas full chaps just cover the leg – from crotch to ankle.
Let’s look at each product in more detail.
Waterproof Full Chaps
Child Dri-Rider Full Chapsare the most flexible solution, with a fully adjustable, elasticated waistband and the option of wearing on the waist or lower on the hip. With full leg length zips, they are very easy to put on and remove – even in the saddle, so you can keep clean until just before entering the ring.
Child Dri-Rider Trousersoffer a complete waterproof riding solution whilst also featuring a grippy seat and hi-viz piping. They have convenient pockets and a high-fitting elasticated waist panel to keep them snug into the small of your back. Child Dri-Rider trousers are great for all round riding and messing around in the yard.
The latest addition to the range are the Toddler Waterproof trousers – a simple pull-on and go design – perfect for ponies, puddles and play – yet made to the same exacting standards as all other sizes.
All products in the Dri-Rider range – full chaps, trousers and toddler pull-on trousers – are easy care. All can be washed on a gentle 30 degree cycle with non-bio detergent. Please do not use fabric conditioner.
Did you know that we are a multi-award winning company. Our Dri-Rider trousers won Best in Test in Horse and Hound – you can read about this here.
Now that we have spent some time looking at both the trouser and full chaps options, we hope your decision has been made easier. Should you have any queries or need more product and sizing information click on Find the Perfect Fit or call our expert, friendly team on 01730 812000.
At Just Chaps we use three different types of leather in the manufacture of our half-chaps, gaiters and full chaps to deliver different properties and performance to each.
Types of leather
Full Grain Leather
Full Grain Leather is the hardest-wearing leather that includes the very top layer of the hide that evolved to protect the animal from the elements and injury. We use this in all our leather half-chaps.
Aniline Leather
The very best full-grain leather can be further strengthened into Aniline Leather through secondary treatment with tanning agents that still preserve the beautiful natural grain of the leather and which we use in our premium Saltos Gaiters.
Suede Leather
Our Suede Leather full chaps use the softer and more flexible internal layer of the hide to give maximum comfort and flexibility.
Caring for Leather
To care for and clean Full Grain and Analine leather we recommend that you dry the items first and then brush off loose mud with a soft brush before wiping with a damp cloth and saddle soap and allowing to dry again. Then apply quality leather conditioning oil.
With Suede, you can use a stiffer brush – even copper wire – to remove dry mud and to restore the natural nap.
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.
Mother’s Day is the ideal opportunity to treat that special someone – or even to treat yourself!
Motherhood is a more-than full-time job. Combining looking after the kids, the home and holding down a job is enough for anyone, adding to the mix a pony or two can see the system reach overload!
So why not use this special day to say a big “Thank You” to someone who might need a treat.
Great gifts for Mother’s Day
We’ve put together a few of our best-sellers that we feel most riders would really appreciate.
Waterproof Riding Trousers – a must for riding, yard work or even walking the dogs. Crowned Best in Test by Horse & Hound for fit and performance.
Waterproof Full Chaps – perfect for keeping you clean and dry while riding, working or at shows. Lightweight and breathable.
Saltos Premium Leather Gaiters – another winner: great fitting and great looking competition gaiters now available in 7 width fittings.
Classic Leather Half Chaps – elegantly cut, traditional Half Chaps tough enough for everyday use yet smart enough for post days out.
Cool Half Chaps – clever Half Chaps that are perforated to let your legs breathe. Perfect for warm weather, warm people or hours in the saddle.
Don’t forget to use code TREAT at the checkout for 15% off. If we can help with sizes or product information please call us on 01730 825797 or email info@justchaps.com.
Just Chaps attention to detail has certainly paid off. Their Dri-Rider range of waterproof riding trousers win “Best in Test” in 2018 and again in 2023.
During 2018, professional riders extensively tested a range brands from over 50 product types for HORSE & HOUND magazine and scored them for performance, style, fit and value for money.
From this group of winners they then selected the very best and named them “Best in Test 2018” – with Just Chaps Dri-Rider Waterproof trousers featuring in this elite group.
Tamsin Adison, an international grade V para dressage rider who competes for Ireland wrote: “…these trousers were a real hit and have been the most borrowed pair on the yard – possibly because they are very flattering to wear”
In 2023, the Dri-Rider waterproof riding trousers were tested again. The team at Horse & Rider ran extensive tests and crowned the Dri-Rider trousers “Best in Test”.
Just Chaps explain why this award-winning product is such a winner.
easy and comfortable to wear, whether as an over trouser or actual trouser
performance driven. Made from the best high tech fabric with all seams taped and waterproof zips as standard
all sizes available from extra small adult to xx large and in 3 leg lengths
a versatile, year-round staple. Perfect for mucking out, riding out or keeping clean at shows.
Designed by Helen Salmon from Just Chaps, these trousers are light-weight, comfortable – and completely waterproof. With a non-slip full seat and a wide range of sizes for a great fit over leggings, joddies or thermals– these trousers are a must-have as the winter begins to bite.
It is useful to understand how the latest waterproofing technology works to also understand how to care for Just Chaps Dri-Rider Waterproof Full Chaps and Trousers and retain their weatherproof functions.
How waterproof full chaps and trousers work
Our full chaps use the latest 3-layer technology to achieve 100% water and wind proof protection – and a garment that breathes to prevent moisture building up inside. This technology was originally developed for the motorbike industry where conditions are extremely harsh.
The tough Taslan outer shell has been treated with a durable water-repellent and is also tough enough to manage the wear and tear of horse-riding
The really clever bit is the microporous Reissa membrane in the second internal layer, which is very thin and contains microscopic pores which are too small to let water droplets in – but big enough to allow water vapour to escape. This is what keeps the rider dry and cool whilst preventing moisture building up inside
The third inside layer is a flexible lining for extra insulation and protection for the delicate Reissa membrane
Top tips for care and washing:
We do recommend that you wash the Dri-riders gently but also regularly enough to prevent sweat and dirt clogging up the membrane and reducing breathability.
Before washing, fasten all zippers and Velcro and shorten stirrup straps
Either wash by hand or use a gentle, cool handwash machine setting
Do not scrub
Do not use biological detergents – or any products that contain bleach or solvents
Do not use fabric softener
Hang to dry at room temperature away from direct heat
Do not use a tumble dryer
Do not be tempted to re-proof the outer layer as this will reduce breathability and trap moisture
Following these simple tips will prolong the life of your chaps and allow you to ride in comfort whatever the weather.
Just Chaps have been designing Riding Chaps since 2003 and have become the specialist in providing riders with the widest selection of both Half Chaps and Full Chaps and gaiters. Customers regularly ask, “what are the benefits of riding chaps?”. Here we look at why this riding essential is so key to every rider:
Benefit No. 1: Protect from the weather
Wearing Full Chaps for riding – and even for mucking out and yard work – protects the rider from the cold, wind and wet. Wearing waterproof full chaps allowsriders to spend more time riding. If you are comfortable when spending time outdoors, even when the weather is bad, the rider can spend more time doing what they love most.
Benefit No. 2: Protect when hacking
If you spend time out hacking with your horse you will understand that from time to time your legs can get scratched by thorns, brambles and the like. Also most riders have at some stage or another had their leg bumped against a gate post or tree. Wearing riding chaps can help protect your legs from this type of scrape. Full Chaps will offer most protection here, but any Half Chaps will help.
Benefit No. 3: Protect from pinching
One of the most obvious benefits of wearing riding chaps is to stop the stirrup straps from pinching your lower leg. We all know how sore this can be! Wearing a well fitting pair of half chaps or gaiters will prevent this. Well-fitting here is key. Half Chaps that are loose will twist when riding, be uncomfortable and cause more problems. Chaps that are too tight will be uncomfortable too. We recommend that your Half Chaps be a good snug fit, to hug the lower leg so as not to twist while riding. Take a look at our Sizing Guide and do contact our expert, friendly team if you’re unsure of your size.
Keeping you Clean
Wearing full chaps for riding, mucking out or preparing for shows will help to keep you much cleaner. We all know how tricky it can be to stay even vaguely clean when around horses, full chaps will help a lot here with all your horse activities.
Easier to Fit
Many riders choose Half Chaps or Gaiters over Tall Boots as it is generally easier to find a good fitting item. As we all know, riders legs come in all shapes and sizes and, more often than not, it is easier to find a well fitting pair of Half Chaps or Gaiters, especially if the rider does not want to pay a high price.
Style
Half Chaps gives the rider many style options…the rider can opt for a traditional look with Suede Half Chaps. A smart competition look with Saltos Gaiters, All Purpose Neoprene is the perfect everyday great fitting, great looking option. For a bit of fun, there are lots of coloured half chaps with added motifs.
If you feel your riding would benefit from a pair of Riding Chaps then the next question to ask is “Do I need Full Chaps or Half Chaps?” Full Chaps will essentially offer you more protection from the weather and environment, whereas Half Chaps protect the lower leg from pinching by the stirrup strap and are an inexpensive option for the rider. For more information, check out this topic in our recent post Do I need Full Chaps or Half Chaps? Or contact our expert, friendly team.
Just Chaps are at the top of their game when it comes to offering the riding community half chaps and full chaps. Lots of customers ask, “Do I need full chaps or half chaps?” and we talk them through the differences and their options. Largely this is a personal choice but the first question we look at is “Why do I need to wear Riding Chaps?” In a nutshell this is to prevent the stirrup straps from pinching the lower leg while riding. Then we can answer the question “Do I need Full Chaps or Half Chaps?” Let’s explore both options.
Full Chaps
Full Chaps cover the whole length of the leg. Our extensive Dri Rider range of full chaps are largely 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 but most riders will also wear Half Chaps or Tall Boots underneath. Dri-Rider full chaps are available to fit children from Age 6 to Adult XL and to ensure the best fit, all adult sizes are available in 2 leg lengths. Our Full Chaps come in two weights: a Fleece-Lined option, super cosy and comfortable for the colder weather or for people who just feel the cold; and a summer or lightweight version, without the fleece lining.
Summer-weight waterproof full chaps, perfect for keeping dry and clean.
Half Chaps
Half Chaps cover and protect the lower half of the leg when riding. They protect the inner lower leg from pinching of the stirrup strap and provide a flexible, inexpensive solution to all riders. Half Chaps can be made from Leather, Suede or man-made neoprene. Just Chaps have a wide range of sizes to fit almost everyone and we pride ourselves on developing a range that not only look great but feel great too. Getting the right size is important. Take a look at our sizing guide or visit our website for further help.
Now that you know the differences between the two options, you can browse our range of Full Chaps and Half Chaps and decide which option makes the most sense for your needs and budget. If you still can’t decide, talk to our friendly team, who will be able to give you some advice on which to try.
Just Chaps attention to detail has certainly paid off. Their Dri-Rider range of waterproof riding trousers win “Best in Test” in 2018 and again in 2023. 
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