Questions about Half Chaps

I ride western and I use Ariat full grain leather chaps. Previously, I used suede chaps, but they attracted so much dirt and hay that it wasn't worth it. I love my leather ones--they don't attract dirt and they have zippers (and comfy elastic inserts), so the lead rope doesn't get stuck to my leg anymore. :)

Half chaps are way cheaper than buying a nice pair of field boots, so I would go with them. Also, if you are still growing, they aren't as expensive to replace once you have outgrown them.

The half chaps that I have are leather on the outside (of the leg) and suede on the inside. The whole things wipes off easily, and are super easy to keep clean. I like the suede on the inside, as I feel a bit more secure then having slippy leather on slippy leather. The suede, to me, seems to give a bit more grip.

The benefit of a half chap is being able to drive to and from the barn easily.

I've had mine for just over a year, and still look fairly new. They are the first pair I have had, and they are Ariats.

They should a fair amount of time as long as you take care of them. That means cleaning and oiling them on a regular basis. My coaches have pairs that they have had for at least 5+ years, and although are well broken in, are still good, pliable leather as they lightly condition them every day.

First of all, I'd like to say that I have a pair of leather Ariat paddock boots.

-Do you prefer suede or leather and why?
I prefer suede. I like how they look and they are easier to clean (IMO).

-What are the benefits of half chaps?
They are much easier to put on / take off than my tall boots, they are very easy to clean, and I can wear them with either breeches or jeans.

-Is there a brand that you prefer?
Not really, I find that the higher quality brand ones won't wear out as quickly.

-About how long do they last?
My most recent pair has lasted about 2 1/2 years without them wearing at all and my last pair lasted me about 5 years until I grew out of them.

-Can they be cleaned easily/do they get very dirty?
I just brush them off with one of my horse brushes.

I don't have much to say about half chaps. I think I am going to get leather ones, but I just got my paddock boots (I was riding in the rubber tall boots before, which I hated) so I don't actually have half chaps yet.

ANYWAYS: In regard to paddock boots I got these synthetic paddock boots, except mine lace: Dover Saddlery | Ladies' Equi-Star Synthetic AW Zip Paddock Boot.. They are pretty inexpensive but from what I can tell (I haven't had them long) they are actually pretty good quality. They don't look fake unless you are looking close.

Thanks a ton to everyone who replied to my questions and gave information! :)

We're going to Houston soon to visit family, and sometime while we're there me and my mom or dad are going to Charlotte's Saddlery (Charlotte's eCatalog) to check out what they have there and so I can actually try stuff on. I think I'll probably get black suede half chaps since suede is cheaper and black looks good with anything (I really want pink ones, but if I start showing soon, pink would just look... I don't know, but you get the point) and black paddock boots.

Thanks again for all your help, and feel free to keep posting.