Half Chap Trouble....

Please move this if it is in the wrong spot. I wasn't quite sure where to post this.


I was just recently hired to ride possibly 3 horses for a lady that lives down the street from me. But, heres the deal. She owns 2 Dutch Warmbloods who are shown in dressage and jumping, and a QH X Morgan who is apparently a jumper (main horse she wants me to work). The thing is...I ride western mainly, so I need to purchase some english apparel. So, I am on the hunt for a pair of half chaps. Problem is, my leg measurements are 16" calf and 17" height. I have searched all over and cannot find chaps that would fit me. Its about to drive me insane.

So, if you all could help me find some, that would be great. Just a few specifications...

*No leather ones, remember, I'm just going to be exercising.
*Color doesn't really matter, but I would prefer black.
*The cheaper the better, but quality is good haha.

Thanks so much!

I don't know who the heck these companies model their boots/chaps after, but they sure like to make 'em small!!!!
I just ordered myself a new pair of Ariat boots... now I am in no way a "big" girl, but I had to buy the biggest calf they had. I measure 14" around and 17.5" tall, and I don't consider myself to have large calves... how does anyone find boots or chaps that fit?!?!?!
Having said that, EquiComfort and Ariat both make excellent quality chaps... Ariat (you may have guessed) is a little pricier, but definitely worth the extra money.
http://www.applesaddlery.com/riding/...p16517036.html
http://www.ariat.com/products_listin...cid=29&scid=94
We stock both kinds at the tack store I work at, and they're both great chaps.

The only chaps I know of that have exact sizing measurements like that are TredSteps. Go to www.SmartPakEquine.com. Their "elasticized half chaps" are only $109. They're leather but they're one of the best quality pair of half chaps I've ever owned. For riding 3 horses a day you're going to want to spend on quality otherwise you're going to pay more in the long run replacing the cheap brands. They lasted me almost 2 years (which for me is an absolute record!). And they they come in black! I personally think Ariat half chaps are absolute crap and fall apart way too quickly, especially for what you pay.

Thanks for your replies!

If I measure a 16" calf and got a 16.5", would it still work? I mean, I figure my calf will grow with all the riding.

I am going to a couple local tack stores to try some on. So, we'll see how that turns out. I am hoping to find a quality pair that fit, and I could also find online for a cheaper price. If not, I will just buy them from the store.

Actually I get them as tight as I possibly can. The leather (especially the elasticized section) will stretch out a bit and you want them snug. Unless you're pretty certain your calves are going to grow that much. You should also measure wearing the thickest pants you will be riding in. (ie: if you ride in jeans and breeches you'll want to measure them over jeans so they'll fit) I also get them an inch taller so by the time they break down and wrinkle at the ankles they're still tall enough.

I'm a huge fan of trying stuff on at the store to get the right size and finding a good deal online. :)

Yea, that does make since now that I think about it. So, my exact measurements with my thickest jeans on is 16" calf and 17" height as I stated before. So what size would you actually recommend? I am so new to this as you can see. I appreciate the help

Not a prob! This is a great place to get questions answered and I've had to fit a bazillion students with half chaps....

The size will depend entirely on the brand. Most brands will be s, m, l, or even something like, medium/tall or large/extra tall something. If you look around online you can find that most brands will have a size chart somewhere where you can see just how tall 'tall' or 'extra tall' really is. (www.doversaddlery.com often has a lot of info like that) The problem is I haven't seen many 16/17s out there and you may have to compromise height or snugness. That's why I'm such a fan of the TredSteps. :) You can get an exact fit! If you go with those your size will be your calf/height. So you'd be a 16/17 (which they do have at smartpak).

Thank you so much for your help. I will search in the tack shops tomorrow and see what I can dig up. I'll let you know what happens.

No prob! Definitely keep us updated!

Found a pair!

Went to one of the tack shops and found a pair of black Ariat Women's Heritage II Zip Paddock boots (1/2 off listed price ) and a pair of black Perris suede half chaps. I am so happy!