Chaps

[Purplehorse]

Hello I wondered whether anyone can tell me about the benefit of riding with chaps? And also recommend any particular brands?

I have a tendency to have my legs too far forwards, :( so wondering whether chaps would help with this?

Thanks

[eventerbabe]

i don't find that wearing chaps has any bearing on my riding at all. if your legs are too far forward, you need to be doing lots and lots of work without stirrups and relaxing your leg back to get it inline with your ear/hip/elbow line :)

i have some shires neoprene purple chaps that are very comfy, but can be quite warm. but they are cheap and chearful, only £19.99. but my faves are Gibons suede ones. mine cost me £65 but are still going 9 years on! main reason i wear chaps is to keep my joddys clean and prevent them getting greasy off horseys coat ;)

[Purplehorse]

Thank you - I think you're right I need to do plenty of work without stirrups. Getting back into riding after about 10 years, so I'm trying to do it 'properly' this time and 'unlearn' my bad habits - frustrating when I can only go once a week for 30mins though!

Might get some chaps though - it's a good excuse for some horsey shopping!

Anyone else got any thoughts on chaps and improving leg position?

[Floob]

i dont think chaps help your lower leg position much, though they can make your lower leg feel more stable when it is in the correct position. They are nice and warm (even thin ones) in winter

[xXSundanceBayXx]

i have to wear them or i fall off. :D i've got so used to wearing them if i ride without my legs get rubbed raw or i fall off. but they protect your legs from saddle rubs. :D

[Cool Rider]

I dont know what there for but i wear mine because they look nice :)

[roxycutie]

I find that they help me with keeping my leg a bit more stable. They also make a great fashion statement. :)

[Lindsayanne]

Suede chaps wil make your leg a little "stickier" and just a tiny bit easier to keep in the correct position.

I ride in tall boots now, but used to ride in chaps all the time- I've gotten sores from riding without. Perhaps I'm just delicate. :D

[kedwards]

The main benefit I find with chaps is that they can be time-savers. I can throw them on over a pair of jeans so I don't have to change. In Summer, I can wear them over a pair of shorts and in Winter, the full leather chaps do provide some extra protection from the elements. I actually prefer to ride in breeches and tall boots, so I rarely wear my chaps, but I do find they are nice to have on those occasions when I want them.

Which reminds me, I've had mine in for repair on the zipper for ages. I'd really like to get them back.

[fielder]

What type of boots do you wear when wearing full chaps? I was thinking of buying winter chaps for riding in wet weather but all i have is a pair of long rubber boots. Is it possible to wear these with chaps?

[~*sugarlump*~]

i just got a pair of half chaps (no experience with full chaps) and they are suede shires, they were only about £20, and i had a jumping session that night after i bought them, and i swear they helped me to stay on!!!!!

apparently suede lasts quite along time :) :p

[raingodz]

I bought some wax cotten full chaps just in time for the rain on Sunday, and boy did it rain in my lesson and I was so thankful that I had them, and a large number of parents asked me where to buy them after the lesson :)

I don't wear half chaps because I prefer to wear long boots so there is no need. My wax chaps were £30.

I dont think chaps will change the position of your legs, just keep them cleaner!

[Captain Equidan]

Hello I wondered whether anyone can tell me about the benefit of riding with chaps?
Erm, some women enjoy laughing at our mis-fortune with the front of the saddle!? And we're macho and cool! :D

Oh, those kind of chaps......

[hApPiNeSs]

crazy :rolleyes: :D

i just wear mine to keep my legs clean as well - and because i think wearing short boots without them looks a bit odd

[Pink's lady]

I'm with the ' can't ride without them' party - I tend to fall off :rolleyes:

I have a very stable leg position but, without chaps or long boots, I find I get really rubbed by the stirrup leather and need to bring my leg far too far forward to compensate. It's not a consious desicion, amd I only notice it when I find my leg starts to swing. So chaps or long boots are essential