The best half chaps and gaiters will protect your leg from pinches and bruising when in the saddle. They are worn with short riding boots and give the smart appearance of long leather riding boots. The combination of half chaps or gaiters with short boots typically provides more flexibility to the rider in the ankle area and negates the need to ‘break in’ long riding boots.
Many brands produce matching sets of half chaps or gaiters and short boots, although some riders prefer to mix and match brands to suit their requirements and find the perfect fit.
Half chaps are often made of leather or synthetic leather, but they can also be made of suede or suede-like materials.
What’s the difference between half chaps and gaiters?
Half chaps are zipped at the side, fastening downwards from the knee, which makes them easy to put on and take off. Gaiters, however, tend to have a hidden zip at the back and zip upwards – this gives a smarter look, more like a traditional long boot.
Best half chaps and gaiters
Ariat Ascent Half Chaps
Colours: Black
Sizes: XXS–XL calf, with four height options
RRP: £110
H&H Review: 9/10
These half chaps are described as fitting like a sock. They have a sleek and contoured silhouette, and are breathable, supportive and offer good compression and grip. Matching boots available.
Read H&H’s independent Ariat Ascent Half Chaps review.
In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at ariat.com, amazon.com or statelinetack.com
Just Chaps Saltos Premium Half Chaps
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: XS–XL, with 15 height/width combinations
RRP: £65
H&H Review: 9/10
These half chaps from Just Chaps are designed to offer the look and feel of gaiters but with the easier fit of side-zipping half chaps. Made of quality leather and cut with a Spanish top line, these half chaps have a stretch leather back panel to offer a snug fit.
Read H&H’s independent Just Chaps Saltos Half Chaps review.
Tredstep Medici Air Half Chaps
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: Five heights and six calf widths, creating 27 different combinations
RRP: £119
H&H Review: 9/10
These chaps from Tredstep combine leather with lightweight and flexible perforated neoprene. They have a curved design and mesh lining, and feature a side-zip placement with extra-strong YKK zip. Matching boots available.
Read H&H’s independent Tredstep Medici Half Chaps review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com
Brogini Vicenza Leather Gaiters
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £59.95
H&H Review: 8/10
Crafted from a buttery soft grained leather, these Brogini gaiters are described as supple and comfortable. There is an elasticated panel down the zip and the suedette lining provides good grip.
Read H&H’s independent Brogini Vicenza Gaiters review.
In the UK? View now at decathlon.co.uk
Dublin Suede Half Chaps II
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £31.99
Made from a high quality suede, these half chaps have an elastic calf to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. They fasten with a full-length zip at the side, along with a button press stud fastening at the base for added security.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Ariat Concord Chaps
Colours: Smooth black or light brown
Sizes: XXS–XL, in four heights
RRP: £110
Made from a supple, unlined full-grain leather with a full-length elasticised panel ensuring a close fit. The chaps are fitted for a sleek profile, while the high Spanish topline adds an elegant look, and the suede inner panel creates a comfortable feel. They fasten with a full-length zip at the back.
In the UK? View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk or naylors.com
In the US? View now at ariat.com, amazon.com or statelinetack.com
Shires Moretta Amara Half Chaps
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: XS–XL, in short or regular
RRP: £26.99
Made from a durable synthetic suede, these half chaps offer excellent grip even when wet. They feature full-length elastic inserts, elastic foot stirrups, stretch zip tidy straps and fasten with full length zips at the side.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Shires Moretta Leather Gaiters
Colours: Black, brown or chestnut
Sizes: S–XL, in short or regular
RRP: £49.99
These soft grain leather gaiters feature elastic calf panels at the rear, which combined with soft leather offers a close fit that moulds to the leg. They have dressage cut tops, full-length zips, elastic foot stirrups, stretch zip tidy straps and bound edges.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Dublin Opulent Half Chaps
Colours: Black
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £48.99
These soft and durable leather half chaps are designed for a close feel. They have a full-length elastic stretch panel and rear zip with snap closure. They also have a hidden front elastic to help aid the perfect fit.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Saxon Equileather Half Chaps
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £27.99
These chaps are described as easy to care for and durable. They have an elastic calf to ensure great fit and the fabric offers a leather look at a lower price.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk, naylors.com or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com or statelinetack.com
Dublin Fusion Grip Half Chaps
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £47.99
These Dublin chaps are a combination of grain and synthetic leather, with a natural lining for close contact. They have a stretch calf to ensure a good fit and are fastened with a strong and reliable YKK zip.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Fouganza 500 Synthetic Half Chaps
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: XS–XL calf, in short or long
RRP: £44.99
These synthetic chaps are described as supple and durable, hugging your lower leg and optimising contact with your horse. Matching boots and child sizes are also available.
In the UK? View now at decathlon.co.uk
Mackey Equisential Suede Half Chaps
Colours: Black
Sizes: S–XL
RRP: £32.50
Made from quality suede, with an inner leg patch for durability, these half chaps have a ruched elastic calf to ensure a secure and comfortable fit with a bottom closure. Also available in child sizes.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Rhinegold Elite Curved Zip Gaiters
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: S–XL
RRP: £43.50
These soft gaiters from Rhinegold have a defined leather grain, an elastic panel at the calf for ease of movement and a European-style curved zip feature for a good fit and flattering shape. They are traditionally styled with curved topline and elasticated strap with a press stud at the top.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Hy Equestrian Synthetic Combi Leather Half Chaps
Colours: Black or brown
Sizes: XS–XL
RRP: £23.50
These synthetic, leather effect chaps from Hy have an elasticated panel for a snug fit, and an additional panel at the front that allows them to easily slide over your boots. They also have a soft, fleece-style lining for extra protection, and a strong elasticated press stud fastening around the ankle. Also available in child sizes.
In the UK? View at viovet.co.uk
You might also like:
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Enjoy comfy feet with riding socks that are perfect under long boots
14 of the best long leather riding boots for every budget
Subscribe to Horse & Hound this spring for great savings
What’s the difference between half chaps and full chaps?
Half chaps are more common – they are worn with short boots, covering the lower half of your leg, protecting it and giving the illusion that you’re wearing long boots. Full chaps cover the whole leg, similar to riding trousers, and have zips down the outside of each leg so you can get them on and off easily. Unlike riding trousers, however, they stop at the top of your leg at the back, leaving your seat uncovered for a better contact with the saddle.
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