Question 1

How do I measure for the correct half chap size?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

You need two measurements: the circumference of your calf at its widest point and the calf length from the floor to the back of the knee, minus the heel height of your paddock boots. Sit up straight on a chair with your knees at a 90-degree angle.

When measuring, wear the riding breeches, socks and paddock boots you will ride in later. It is best to have someone help you, because when you are sitting it is difficult to find the exact widest point of the calf yourself.

Question 2

How tight should new half chaps be?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

New half chaps should fit closely around the calf and reach up into the back of the knee. Over time the material will give, the half chaps will drop slightly and the zip will become easier to close.

Leather in particular is often difficult to close at first, which is normal. Styles with a higher stretch content adapt more easily from the start. If half chaps are already loose when you buy them, they will slip down after being broken in and form creases around the calf.

Question 3

Leather or synthetic leather: which material is right for you?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

Half chaps are available in smooth leather, suede and synthetic leather. All of them provide extra grip on the horse and protect the calf from rubbing. Leather will mould well to the calf over time.

At competitions, half chaps made of leather or synthetic leather are allowed as long as they are the same colour, close fitting and dark, and together with the paddock boots look like a riding boot made from one piece. For everyday use on the yard, easy-care materials are practical.

Question 4

When are made-to-measure half chaps worthwhile?

Julia Lühr · Accepted Answer

Made-to-measure half chaps are worthwhile if off-the-peg styles do not fit despite correct measuring, for example if your calves are very slim or very broad, your legs differ in width or your calf length is unusual. Well-fitting half chaps sit smoothly without creases and do not slip when you ride.

Ahrens Reitsport offers not only made-to-measure riding boots but also made-to-measure half chaps. The measurements are taken in our shop, then the order is placed with the manufacturer. It is best to bring the paddock boots you want to wear with the half chaps to your appointment.

Half Chaps

Ariat Chorus Chaps black

Ariat Palisade Chaps black

Ariat Heritage Contour Chaps black

Ariat Close Contour Show Chap black

Ariat Close Contour Show Chap chocolate

Ariat Close Contour Show Chap cognac

Tonics Half Chaps Sirius black

Ariat Close Contour Show Chap waxed chocolate

Ariat Heritage Contour Chaps lightbrown

Waldhausen Leather Half Chaps Classic, black

Waldhausen Half Chaps exclusive, black

Cavallo Half Chaps Dressage

Ego 7 Half Chaps Lyra black

Tonics Half Chaps Sirius brown

Kieffer Leather Half Chaps Arlene, black

Ariat Chaps Concord smooth chocolate

Scan Horse Aspen Half Chaps black Kids'

Scan Horse Aspen Half Chaps black Kids' short/wide

Königs Nappa Box Leather Half Chaps medium, black

Ariat Chaps Concord smooth black

How do I measure for the correct half chap size?

How tight should new half chaps be?

Leather or synthetic leather: which material is right for you?

When are made-to-measure half chaps worthwhile?

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