How to Buy English Riding Chaps

English riding chaps are great for riders to practice in because it does not wear out your expensive britches and boots. There are a few decisions you must make first before purchasing chaps, including whether you want custom chaps and whether you want full or half chaps. Half chaps give the rider almost the same experience as tall boots and britches do, but full chaps protect your legs better from rubbing. Which route you decide to take will depend on where you want to go to purchase your new English riding chaps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Think about what type of chaps you want to buy. If your legs are easily rubbed raw from riding full chaps may be the way to go. If you like the feel of tall boots and britches half chaps will work for you.

2. Look at your budget and decide whether you want custom, semi-custom or general chaps. Custom full chaps run from $600 to $1000, semi-customs run from $300 to $500 and general chaps cost about $100. Custom half chaps are $200 to $500 and general half chaps are $100.

3. Find a store near you that makes the type of chaps you are thinking of purchasing. You always want to try them on before you buy them. Custom chap makers are generally at the larger horse shows or can be found on the Internet. General chaps are best bought at large tack stores where they have a variety of sizes, styles and brands.

4. Try on chaps to be sure that the material is snug around your calf, flexible through your knee and snug again at your thigh. Loose material may cause rub marks on your legs. Also be sure to try them on in the pants that you are planning to ride in on a regular basis.

5. Once you buy your chaps realize it may take a few times riding to break them in. If you bought custom chaps you can always send them back for alterations.

Resources

• Buy chaps at Dover Saddlery.