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The Ultimate Guide to Leather Riding Half Chaps & Gaiters.

Date posted: 06/05/2024

lady jockey sat on a stool wearing leather riding gaiters

As the UK’s leading equestrian specialist in Half Chaps & Gaiters, here is the ultimate guide to finding your perfect-fitting leather riding gaiters and half chaps. Here we answer several frequently asked questions which will help you buy the right product and fit for you.

Why Choose Just Chaps?

Just Chaps has been designing and manufacturing Half Chaps & Gaiters for more than 20 years. During that time we have developed a full range of products which not only fit riders really well but look great too. In a nutshell, we have great products that do a great job. We also care. Call us – we are human and we aim to help.

Why do I need Half Chaps or Gaiters?

Most riders will understand the need to protect the inner calf when riding. The stirruThe million dollar question but easy to answer. Gaiters have the zip down the back of the leg. Half Chaps have the zip down the outside of the leg. Gaiters give the rider the look of a long boot and are the smartest option. Half Chaps, possibly not so formal, though our Saltos are super smart, are a more all-rounder.

Why Leather is Best.

We only use the best aniline leather for our Saltos range of Half Chaps & Gaiters. Aniline leather is cut from only the best hides, typically full-grain, which is the top leather. The main difference with aniline is the dyeing process. Aniline leather is dyed using only soluable dyes without any surface coating. This allows the natural characteristics and texture of the leather to be shown.

Which size do I need?

We are here to help you find the perfect fit. And if, for some reason, we don’t get it right first time, we’ll fix it. First things first, you will need a tape measure. Then visit our Sizing Calculator – you’ll find this on each product page and it looks like this:

Simple follow the guide. Firstly make sure you’re in the correct product – Saltos Gaiters (with the back zip) or Saltos Half Chaps (with the zip down the side). Measure your calf and input the number into the box. The Calculator will offer you length options (when products allow). Measure the length of the back of your lower leg – from the crease behind the knee (where you would like the chaps to sit) down to the floor. Pick the length that will work best for you. The calculator then suggests sizes for you. You may have a tighter or looser option. It’s personal preference.

Just Chaps Sizing Calculator for Saltos leather riding gaiters and half chaps.

Are they comfortable?

In a word, yes! And here’s why:

Saltos Gaiters are designed to our very own shape. This means that the actual shape of the human lower leg has been given much thought. This clever pattern is shaped to give you an elegant, elongated look. The ankle is as close fitting as possible. The elastic panels that run down either side of the zip are strong yet flexible. They allow ease of movement and mean that you can wear a super snug fit.

Saltos Half Chaps – with the side zip – have a unique stretch leather panel on the calf. Yes – stretch leather. We thinly splice the leather and stick it down over stretched elastic. Once set, we release it to produce a wonderfully useful super stretchy panel which accommodates all shapes and sizes of calf.

If you’re still not sure, here’s what a panel of professional riders at Horse & Hound thought of our Saltos Half Chaps. Proud as a peacock , here’s how Horse & Rider magazine felt about our wonderfully fitting Saltos Half Chaps.

How do I care for my leather riding gaiters?

This is quick and easy. Simply take a damp sponge with a little soap. Use this to wash off mud and dander. Please don’t over wet the leather. Then feed the leather with your favourite oil or food. Simple!

Will the Half Chaps or Gaiters go out of shape?

In a word – no. And this is why:

Saltos Gaiters are lined with a breathable faux suede. This ensures that they do not sag or wrinkle. Bear this in mind when picking your size, the leather riding gaiters will soften and mold to your leg but will not give.

Saltos Leather Half Chaps have a unique stretch leather panel. This allows a super snug fit and accommodates legs of all shapes and sizes. The main body of the chaps will give a little as the leather here is unlined, however the stretch panel maintains great shape and a snug fit.

horse rider in the saddle wearing Saltos leather half chaps.
male jockey sat in the yard wearing Saltos Leather Half Chaps
Saltos Leather Half Chaps
horse rider sat wearing Just Chaps leather riding gaiteres
Saltos Leather Riding Gaiters

Call us today

We hope our guide pointed you to your perfect fit of gaiters or half chaps. To order, visit www.justchaps.com or call us on 01403 820887. We hope to hear from you soon.

SALTOS Half Chaps to be launched at Badminton Horse Trials

Date posted: 03/05/2019

Horse rider wearing Saltos Leather Half Chaps in black

SALTOS Half Chaps to be launched at Badminton Horse Trials

Just Chaps are proud to launch Saltos Half Chaps – representing a new generation in premium riding leg wear.

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

Premium full-grain aniline leather is exquisitely cut to fit the calf snugly and is elegantly finished with a Spanish top line.

An easy-to-reach side zip is retained, along with a stretch front panel at the ankle to fit easily over the majority of riding boots.

Helen Salmon, Just Chaps MD will be at Badminton Horse Trials to oversee the introduction of the latest addition to the Saltos range.

“We have spent the last year working with our designers to develop a new generation of legwear that bridges the gap between Half Chaps and gaiters. We are confident that riders will look and feel great in our new Saltos Half Chaps, and will not be breaking the bank in the process!”

The Just Chaps team will be ready to give advice and free fitting on stand 239 opposite the World of the Horse marquee – so please come and try these great new half chaps for yourself or get in touch.

How Young Can You Start Horse Riding?

Date posted: 26/07/2018

Dinky range for young riders

How young can you start horse riding?

You are never too old to start to riding, but like with a lot of sports, the younger you start the better!  The precise age might depend on how well the child can take instruction and how well coordinated they are.

Above anything else the jockey needs to be safe, so the right pony or horse and right equipment is paramount.  The British Horse Society provide excellent guidelines on riding hats and helmets as well as body protectors, so do take time to get correctly-fitting safety equipment.

If you are inexperienced, make sure that you have a British Horse Society qualified instructor, who will be able to give advice on the suitability of your pony or horse.

Younger children are very adept at learning to ride but will lack the physical strength needed, so it is very important to be aware of this and mount your child accordingly and keep them on the lead for as long as needed.  Even many adults are challenged by learning a new skill and how quickly you learn to ride is dependent on confidence, calmness, athletic ability and of course what level you want to ride at.  However, if you aim for weekly lessons you should notice your progress very quickly.

To get the very most out of learning to ride, you need to spend time with your horse, so learning to look after him, groom and tack up are also an important part of the journey.  Spending time with your horse is a great way to de-stress so make the most of learning general horsemanship.

To get the maximum enjoyment out of riding you need to be comfortable, so it is always a good idea to wear half chaps which will stop your lower leg getting pinched and sore by the stirrup straps.  At Just Chaps Ltd we have the widest range of half chaps and gaiters to suit any age, size or budget, please take a moment to have a look on our website www.justchaps.com.

Just Chaps half chaps start from age 2 – these are our Dinky range – and come in a number of different colours and for extra fun you can have a motif added, such as a daisy, star or hi viz hearts.  We also have a very wide range of half chaps and gaiters for adults, whatever your level.

Our friendly and experienced team at Just Chaps Ltd are always happy to help, so if in any doubt please drop us an email or pick up the phone.