{"id":650,"date":"2024-05-16T09:44:00","date_gmt":"2024-05-16T08:44:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.justchaps.com\/news\/?p=650"},"modified":"2026-10-06T11:30:06","modified_gmt":"2026-10-06T10:30:06","slug":"which-leather-riding-chaps","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.justchaps.com\/news\/which-leather-riding-chaps\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Put On Riding Half Chaps and Gaiters"},"content":{"rendered":"

Half chaps and riding gaiters are worn over your riding trousers and with short riding boots. Putting them on correctly helps them sit neatly around your calf and over the top of your boots.<\/p>\n

This guide explains how to put on riding half chaps and gaiters, position the underfoot strap and check the fit.<\/p>\n

Start with Your Riding Trousers and Boots<\/h2>\n

Put on the breeches, jodhpurs or riding tights you normally wear for riding. Smooth out any folds around your calf and ankle, then put on and fasten your boots.<\/p>\n

Half chaps and gaiters sit over the top of your short boots. Try them with the boots you intend to ride in, as the shape and thickness of the boot can affect the fit around the ankle.<\/p>\n

If you wear chunkier riding boots, read our guide to half chaps that fit with chunky boots<\/a>.<\/p>\n

How to Put On Riding Half Chaps<\/h2>\n

Our riding half chaps have a side zip, which sits on the outside of your leg and closes from top to bottom. The inner panel sits against the horse.<\/p>\n

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  1. \n

    Open the zip fully and undo any fastening tabs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Place the elasticated underfoot strap beneath the arch of your boot, just in front of the heel.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  3. \n

    Bring the half chap around your lower leg, with the zip on the outside.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Join the zip at the top, then zip down towards the ankle.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Keep your riding trousers clear of the zip as you close it.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

  6. Keep one finger behind the zip as you zip down, helping to keep your riding trousers and socks clear.<\/li>\n
  7. \n

    Secure any fastening tabs and check that the half chap sits straight.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    The strap should lie flat beneath your boot. It helps keep the half chap in position and should not sit beneath the heel.<\/p>\n

    How to Put On Riding Gaiters<\/h2>\n

    Saltos Leather Riding Gaiters fasten at the back of the leg. Their zip closes from bottom to top. Wear them with suitable short riding or jodhpur boots.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. \n

      Open the rear zip fully and undo any fastening tabs.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    2. \n

      Position the underfoot strap beneath the arch of your boot, just in front of the heel.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    3. \n

      Wrap the gaiter around your lower leg, keeping the zip centred at the back.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    4. \n

      Join the zip at the bottom, near your ankle, then zip upwards towards the top of your calf.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    5. \n

      Make sure your riding trousers and socks stay clear of the zip.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

    6. Keep one finger behind the zip as you zip up, helping to keep your riding trousers and socks clear.<\/li>\n
    7. \n

      Secure any fastening tabs and check that the gaiter sits neatly over your boot.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Sitting down can make it easier to reach the rear zip. Bring the edges together as you fasten it, allowing the elastic panels to stretch around your calf.<\/p>\n

      Check the Fit Before Riding<\/h2>\n

      Once both half chaps or gaiters are on, stand up and check their position.<\/p>\n

      They should feel snug and comfortable around your calf. The top should sit below the back of your knee without digging in when you bend your leg. At the ankle, they should sit neatly over your boots.<\/p>\n

      Check that:<\/p>\n