What is the difference between Half Chaps and Gaiters ?
Here we look at what is the difference between half chaps and gaiters. Being the specialists in the field, we talk you through the similarities and differences and help you to decide which option is best for you.
Why do Riders need Half Chaps or Gaiters ?
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.
Half Chaps
Half chaps are just that. They are not full chaps. The original full chaps – full-length leg covering worn by the cowboys of Mexico (The Chapparal), to protect their legs from gorze and scrubland.
History lesson aside, 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 our 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 forcompetition
All Purpose Half Chaps with side zip
Saltos Gaiters with the Spanish top-line and back zip.
New Generation Saltos Half Chaps with Spanish top-line and size zip.
Gaiters
Gaiters are similar to Half Chaps in that they protect the lower leg. Key differences Gaiters are that :
- the zip is at the back
- the zip generally zips from the bottom to the top
- the back zip design allows for a neater size view and is intended to replicate the look of a long boot
- they are generally made from leather to replicate the look of a long boot
- 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 here at what the Horse & Rider team say about this great product.
But the team at Just Chaps just couldn’t leave it there – and have designed the next generation of riding leg wear that combines the functionality of half chaps with the elegance of gaiters.
Saltos New Generation half chaps have an elegant Spanish top line and a revolutionary disguised elasticated leather side panel to give the more formal look of gaiters, but at the same time have a side zip and added flexibility for greater comfort and ease of putting on.
For help with sizing take a look at our guide “Find the Perfect Fit”. If you’d prefer to chat, call our expert friendly team on 01730 812000 or email us at info@justchaps.com.