Tag: All Purpose Half Chaps

All Purpose Riding Half Chaps: Comfort, Fit and Everyday Use

Rider wearing black All Purpose Riding Half Chaps with short riding boots

All Purpose Riding Half Chaps were the first half chaps we designed at Just Chaps. Made from soft, stretchy neoprene, they remain a practical choice for riders who want comfort, flexibility and easy care.

The range includes adult, children’s and toddler sizes. Whether you are starting riding, schooling regularly or preparing for longer rides, here is what to know about their material, fit and care.

Why Choose Neoprene Half Chaps?

Neoprene is lightweight, flexible and hard-wearing. It offers a snug, comfortable fit without needing the same wearing-in period as leather.

Our All Purpose Riding Half Chaps have a stretch panel behind the side zip for additional flexibility in fit. The zip fastens from top to bottom, with a popper fastening to secure it.

Their main features include:

  • Soft, stretchy neoprene for comfort.
  • A stretch panel to accommodate different calf shapes.
  • Durable material for regular riding.
  • Machine-washable fabric for straightforward care.
  • A flexible design that works with jodhpur boots and chunkier riding boots.

Suitable for Beginners and Everyday Riders

All Purpose half chaps are a useful option for beginners because they are comfortable from the first wear and simple to look after.

They also suit experienced riders who prefer short riding boots and half chaps as an alternative to long boots. Wear them for lessons, hacking and schooling, choosing a size that feels secure and comfortable.

For help comparing materials and styles, read our Complete Guide to Riding Half Chaps.

Adult, Children’s and Toddler Sizes

The All Purpose range offers different heights and calf widths, helping riders find a suitable combination.

Our children’s All Purpose Riding Half Chaps provide the same soft neoprene construction in smaller sizes. We also offer Dinky Half Chaps for ages two to four.

Check the sizing information for the product you are choosing rather than relying on age or your usual clothing size.

Choosing Your Size

Measure around the widest part of your calf while wearing your riding trousers. For adult sizes, use your height and calf measurement with our sizing guide.

The neoprene and stretch panel allow some flexibility, but the half chaps should still feel snug and comfortable. You should be able to fasten the zip without forcing it.

Try them with the boots you plan to wear. This is particularly useful if you alternate between jodhpur boots and chunkier riding boots.

Need Additional Calf Room?

Our Riding Half Chaps Zip Extension Panel adds calf room to compatible All Purpose Riding Half Chaps.

The panel zips between the two sides of the existing zip. Choose the extension panel that matches the height of your half chaps and check the compatibility information on the product page.

This panel also works with our Cool Riding Half Chaps and Classic Suede Riding Half Chaps.

A Rider’s Experience of Endurance Riding

Jacqueline Macmillan chose All Purpose half chaps when she changed from long leather boots to short boots and half chaps for endurance riding.

After trying several pairs, she found the All Purpose style comfortable for longer rides with her pony, Misty. She also appreciated being able to machine wash them afterwards.

Read Jacqueline and Misty’s endurance riding story for their experience.

Caring for All Purpose Riding Half Chaps

Keeping your neoprene half chaps clean is straightforward:

  • Fasten the zips, poppers and any Velcro before washing.
  • Machine wash at 30°C, following the care label.
  • Hang them to dry away from direct heat.
  • Keep the zips free from mud and grit.

Allow them to dry fully before storing them ready for your next ride.

Need Help Choosing?

If you are unsure which size to choose, contact the Just Chaps team.

For adult sizing, tell us your height, calf measurement and which boots you wear. We can help you choose a suitable fit or advise whether an extension panel would be useful.

Why Half Chaps Are Ideal for Endurance Riding

Jacqueline Macmillan with Misty at an endurance ride

Jacqueline Macmillan shares her passion for Endurance:

Welsh cob Brynfa Gwanwen, AKA Misty, is a star.  Welsh born, bought from Crewe in July 2017 and now residing in Perthshire, Scotland. I couldn’t have asked for a sweeter pony and have been surprisingly blown away by her performance in endurance riding. Having successfully completed several pleasure rides last year, we have now upped our game to competitive rides.

I’m a member of the Scottish Endurance Riding Club (SERC). We have taster rides (8-14km), pleasure rides (15km-29km) and competitive rides (30kms upwards). SERC members ride longer distances using a unique thistle grading system which is unique to this Organisation. The starting level is Bronze (up to 50k), progressing to Silver (60k) and Gold (80k) Series. The top two levels are the Platinum (120k) and Diamond (160k) Awards.

Misty has successfully completed two 30km rides to achieve 2 bronze qualifiers. This allows us to enter a 50km class and hopefully achieve our Bronze Thistle Final.

Why Choose Half Chaps for Endurance Riding?

Spending longer in the saddle (and stirrups!) however can cause some discomfort. Having previously ridden in long leather boots, the decision was made, after consulting with other fellow riders, to change to short boots and half chaps. I had heard lots about Just Chaps and fortunately got the chance to meet them at a local show. After trying on a few pairs, the fit and the feel was fantastic! My favourite was the All Purpose Half Chaps. What a difference they made to the overall comfort of long-distance riding.

All Purpose Half Chaps are a practical choice for endurance riders. Their flexible fit provides comfort during long hours in the saddle, while the durable, machine-washable material helps protect the lower leg in changing conditions.

So, kitted out we entered our first 50km ride at SERC’s Seacliff ride in East Lothian on 16th June 2019…wow what a fabulous route! Taking four hours and 31 minutes to complete the 51 km route, we thankfully vetted successfully and achieved our Bronze Thistle Final Award.

Thank you to the Just Chaps team for sending me the chaps so quickly. I have machine washed them and packed them away, ready for our next venture.

Choosing comfortable, correctly fitted half chaps can make a real difference during long-distance riding. Our range includes flexible options for different calf widths and rider heights.

Photo courtesy of Susie Allison