About Chaps

So... as far as people can tell, chaps (or protective leggings or clothing) for use when riding horseback have been used by riders for centuries.

The word "chaps" (pronounced either "chaps" or "shaps") comes from the Spanish words "chaparreras" or "chaparejos" basically coming from words for the brush that the riders had to ride through in the wild.

Historically, it seems that some of the earliest predecessors of modern day chaps came from Spain and then Mexico (according to Wikipedia and other sources).

Basically what they wore back then was similar to a kind of apron that covered the rider's legs and parts of the horse as well.

As the Spanish came to the Americas, and they and the Mexicans started to emigrate to the northern areas of what would become the United States of America, chaps, more as we know them today began to develop.

But, guess what?!

The modern style of chaps was actually gleaned from the Native Americans!

They were the ones who wore rawhide skins and furs on their legs to protect them while riding.

The concept of fringed chaps also came from the Native Americans.

So, the modern styles of chaps appeared around the mid to late 1800's and haven't changed a whole lot since then (other than to become more technologically advanced, including the incorporation of synthetic materials.

Photo Credit: en.wikipedia.org

This is one of the earliest type of chaps.

Shotgun chaps are called that because they are long, thin, and often very fitting.

Both English and western style riders wear this type of chaps.

Sometimes they have fringe, but don't have to.

This style of chaps is great for wearing in colder weather.

Photo Credit: truewest.ning.com

Batwing chaps are called that for obvious reasons.

They can be absolutely gigantic!

They are most always worn at rodeos and for western shows, but some cowboys wear them, and bull fighters are partial to this style (although bull fighters wear a traditional Spanish version of batwing style chaps).

They also seem to have come out during the mid to late 1800's and were worn by cowboys in various areas of the USA.

These are almost exclusively for western riders (you wouldn't see any English style rider wearing these!)

Photo Credit: rockinkleather.com

Chinks are a kind of 3 quarters type of chaps.

They are usually below the knee length, but not to the lower calf or ankle.

They are wide at the bottom or even completely open, which leads to them flapping a lot.

They are good for warmer weather areas.

They often are quite decorated, particularly when worn at rodeos or shows, but even everyday chinks often have lots of fringe on them.

Now, I'm going to admit that I'm not a fan of chinks for myself, but the ones in this picture look amazing!

And I LOVE those spurs!!!!!

Photo Credit: flickr - Rescue Furdaddy

Although these are not traditionally American, they are worn by many cowboys, so I'm going to include them here.

Basically, they are the same as chinks, but are more closed around the leg, thus a little uncomfortable in warmer weather.

But many versions of what are called armitas are almost exactly like chinks in look.

The difference is that armitas are worn by putting them on in a similar way as pants (kind of like Bermuda shorts), while chinks are strapped on only.

While lots of different styles are called either armitas or chinks, this picture really displays true armitas.

Photo Credit: lostbuckaroo.com

Well... you know.. I LOVE those furry sheep or goat fur purses, boots, etc.. anything with thick fuzzy fur.. so these are right up my alley.

So, woolies are what they sound like!

Big fuzzy, wooly, chaps.

Gotta Love 'Em!

Historically these are from the late 1800's in the USA (but similar clothing has been worn in other civilizations that reside in chilly climates before).

In the USA these chaps are worn in Northern and mountainous areas (for obvious reasons).

As you can see in the picture, woolies have been around for a while.

They are extremely practical, even though they look super puffy on.

And talk about WARM!!!!

Photo Credit: mrrott.blogspot.com

These are another type of specialized chaps that came from South American (specifically Colombian) roots.

According the Wikipedia, historically, zamorros were simply hair chaps that were kind of like stovepipe style, but nowadays zamorros are just what you see in this picture.

Yep! They are really LONG!

They are almost the same as the normal batwing chaps, except that they go below the foot and kind of hang there.

They are quite long, and as far as I can tell, fairly impractical... but they are a style, and usually worn with certain breeds of show horses....

Photo Credit: bosals.de

Half chaps are not usually worn by western riders.

Many English style riders like to wear half chaps when they ride with short boots or shoes.

The half chaps help to protect the rider's legs (just like other types of chaps) from various things, for example, on a trail ride.

Half chaps also help protect the legs of the rider from chaffing on the stirrup leathers which are more prevalent than they would be on a western saddle.

Half chaps usually zip or Velcro on these days, but can also snap or even button on.

Some people like to wear half chaps with fringe... but the overall majority of half chaps are made without fringe.

(I am going to put a picture of half chaps with fringe, just because there are tons of pictures here without it.)

They can also come decorated and printed (I have some print and decorated ones for sale here)...

I LOVE half chaps!!!

Photo Credit: doversaddlery.com

Yes, chaps are meant to be practical and protective...

But, in rodeos and western horse shows the chaps get to be more and more showy with the passing years.

Add on fringe, bright colors, and sequins.

Cowboys and cowgirls showing in certain western disciplines and in rodeos want to look the part and wearing the most outrageous and colorful chaps is the way to go.

Many times they wear custom made chaps, but those can run literally thousands of dollars...

Nowadays with modern technology, some pretty showy chaps can be had for a fairly reasonable price.

Photo Credit: missrodeousa.com

Men's chaps for rodeo and western shows can be just as fancy as the ladies ones!

Although men have been wearing chaps for practical purposes, since the beginning of the rodeo show, chaps have been getting fancier and fancier.

Photo Credit: wikipedia

English style riders usually wear half chaps when they are wearing jodhpur or any other short boots.

But, there are also long or full chaps for English riders, as you can see in this picture.

English chaps are for the same purpose as western chaps.. to protect the rider..particularly (and often exclusively) for those riders who wear short boots.

Photo Credit: kaboodle.com

Most English riders of all disciplines wear half chaps while wearing short boots.

The half chaps protect the legs from chaffing, rubbing, or poling (particularly while riding trail, but even for arena riding).

These days half chaps are often made of different types of fabric (for ideal comfort as well as warmth).

Getting fabric chaps is good because you can wash or clean them a bit more easily than the leather ones...

But, on the other hand, leather chaps are the ideal as far as quality and function.

Photo Credit: cameoequestrian.co.uk