Half Chaps question

Hi. This is my first post here. I am a new/old rider. I say new because I haven't ridden in 15 years and this is my first time seriously taking up horse riding. I say old because my ancestors raised horses in Lithuania until the Bolsheviks came and seized the farm, so horses are in my blood. My older son is autistic and has been having hippotherapy for the past 4 months. He loves it and has made great progress.

My question is this: I am having trouble outfitting myself for English riding. I have breeches which fit, found a pair of tall boots on ebay (which didn't fit), have my helmet and paddock boots, but I am having trouble finding a decent pair of half chaps in my size.

My calves are about 17"-17.5", and heel to knee is about 18 inches. Most half chaps are longer - about 20" - or at least the ones I have seen. I found a pair of suede half chaps (again on ebay) but they are tight and too long.

Question: anywhere I can search for half chaps - I'm on a pretty tight budget. If the tall boots that didn't fit sell on ebay I can get a decent pair of half chaps. There are several tack shops around me. Should I go hunting there as well as online?

Suede or leather?

Can I have the too-long half chaps altered for length? I need to have the pair I own shortened about 2 inches. Is this a "no-no?"

Thanks for any help you can give me. I start lessons in a few weeks.

Allen

Well first of HIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII! Welcome to the HF family!

Secondly: Have you looked in places like Dover, Smart Pack, Bit of Britian, and State Line Tack? Serch their websites throughly and look at all the sizing.

I would definitely go for leather just because I think it looks nicer and it withstands longer.

I'm not sure about altering them, but I don't think it's possible.

You can get synthetic ones for a resonable price. They are just as good and easy to care for. Go to a farm/ equestrian store, if there is one close to you and try some on! They have many different sizes for different widths and lengths of leg.