I doubt you'll notice a big change. Half chaps will have leather or suede at least on the horse side.

 

I usually always wear half chaps to ride in. I find they are pretty comfortable. I haven't ridden in tall boots in a long time so can't comment on the difference.

 

I have always worn tall boots for everyday schooling. Then when I needed to replace them after many years of use, I went with the paddock boots and half chaps, me no likey. Although it is not much more effort to put them on, it is more effort, and time, which I have very little of. I shed seconds off everything I do, and if it gives me 5 or 10 more minutes in the saddle, I won.

 

I always wear tall boots


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I wear half chaps with paddock boots, but I do long trail rides. If you have to get off and walk or run, tall boots are too uncomfortable. I don't think there is any difference in leg position. Good half chaps feel very similar to a tall boot.

 

Today with the ability to have a finished side on chaps like you have on a field or dress boot I would expect could change the feel of the leg against the horse.
My chaps are a suede finish.

Tall boots though do "feel" different than a short boot with a attached leather overlay...
Tall boots have a "restrictiveness" is the word that comes to mind for description...a steadying influence of the lower leg.
I also find my tall boots more "sensitive" feeling as my boot leather {fully lined} is still thinner than my chaps leather.
Paddock boots and a short 1/2 chap are far more maneuverable as they are not all one piece and connected...it does make a difference I find personally.
I totally agree to run in my paddock boots is easier than running in my field boots, any day...:-|
Hurts less too..:twisted:
:runninghorse2:...
jmo..

 

I agree with Tinyliny and horselovingguy. Half chaps with comfortable paddock boots for everyday riding, long boots for shows.....I do a lot of mounting and dismounting, walking on foot, moving things etc and have the most comfi paddock boots, and the half chaps were cheap but are made of soft leather and very manoeverable (sp?) and give good feed for schooling.

 

I only wear tall boots if I have to! I prefer half chaps and paddock boots. Mostly because when I'm done riding and doing chores I'd prefer to walk around the barn more comfortably, and my tall boots are not comfortable for walking. I've always been a paddock boot and half chap person. In the saddle I don't notice a whole lot of difference.

 

I only wear tall boots if I am showing. Plus, I wouldn't want them to get all dirty.
Otherwise, I wear paddock boots & half-chaps. It's easier & more comfortable. I have suede velcro half-chaps. They've lasted years.

 

I'm leaning towards trying out half chaps. Does anyone have experience with any of these or have other suggestions?
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/tredstep-deluxe-half-chaps-3216
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/ariat-breeze-washable-half-chap-11616
https://www.smartpakequine.com/pt/harwich-soft-leather-half-chap-11535

 

I have never really used tall boots. I have monster calves, and not much money, so paddock boots and half chaps it is!

a couple of things to consider:

if you use spurs, do not get a half chap that covers the back of the heel, or it will interfere with your spur.

a half chap that zips from the top downward is much easier to put on than one that zips from bottom up.

consider how hot your climate is. some are good for hot weather, since they have vented areas.
they stretch out, so if they are all leather, you must size down . if there is a stretchy gusset, then they will never stretch out and get too loose, so you size accurately.

consider the quality of the zipper, as it will be the first place to fail.

 

half chaps all the way! way for affordable in the long run