Chinks, Chaps & Shotguns
I’ve lost count of the number of pairs of jeans I’ve destroyed while out riding. The thorn bushes and cacti are unrelenting around here, and it’s virtually impossible to go out on trail without sustaining at least one scratch. After losing my favorite pair of jeans to a particularly vicious barbed wire fence, I decided it was time to invest in chaps.
Chaps protect your legs when riding or working around the ranch or farm, but don’t cover your crotch or rear end, providing some airflow! They safeguard your lower body against dirt, thorns, fences, and brush while providing additional grip and preventing chafing in the saddle.
Craving safety, durability, and comfort? Get some chaps!
Source: Canva
Chap Basics
Chaps have been around for hundreds of years, and over those years, different styles and designs have emerged.
Form:
Western chaps are full-length, protecting everything from the waist down whereas chinks and half chaps only safeguard the upper or lower leg. Other types of chaps include wooly chaps made from leather processed with the hair still on.
These are specifically designed to provide additional warmth, as well as protection, during the winter months.
Function:
- Western chaps and chinks are both intended to protect the legs from external threats, like thorn bushes and cacti. They also help you to stick in the saddle better than jeans.
- Farriers also wear chinks to protect their legs while trimming and shoeing horses, preventing scratches and burns from hot shoes.
- Half chaps only protect the leg from the knee down and are used by English riders who would otherwise get rubs and chafes from the stirrup leathers.
Materials:
Traditionally, chaps were made from thick, durable leather, hide, or sometimes wool. These days, manufacturers have reduced production costs by using more affordable materials, such as suede, synthetic leather, and nylon.
Synthetic materials are often machine washable, making them easier to care for than suede or leather
Chaps vs. Chinks:
The main difference between chaps and chinks is the length.
Chinks are shorter than chaps, which allows for a little more airflow and makes them more comfortable in hot weather.
On the downside, chinks will only protect your upper legs and are often open at the back, while chaps wrap around the whole leg, providing greater protection. You can read more about the differences between chaps and chinks here.
Source: Canva
Best Cowboy Chaps
| Category | Option | Price Point | Key Features |
| Best Overall | Rod’s All-round In-stock | $$ | Affordable yet durable chaps that protect the whole leg |
| Best for Ranch Work | Weaver Leather Shotgun Chaps | $$$ | High-quality leather provides flexibility and protection |
| Best for Rodeos | Tough1 Suede Leather Show Chaps | $$ | Fully adjustable and hard-wearing |
| Best on a Budget | Tough1 Western Fringed Chaps | $ | Buckles and full-length zippers provide a snug and secure fit |
| Best for Showing | Hobby Horse Ultrasuede Fringe Chaps | $$$$$ | Flattering fit and excellent quality |
| Best Chinks | Weaver Leather Pull-Up Chinks | $$$$ | Made with high-quality supple leather, with hand-crafted details |
Best Overall: Rod’s All-Round In-Stock Suede Chaps
These chaps combine style with durability and are easier to fit than many other brands. Full-length, heavy-duty zippers keep the chaps securely in place to maximize protection both in the saddle and on the ranch.
Click to see them at Amazon
PROS:
- Lower price range
- Easy to fit
- Durable
CONS:
- Handwash only
- Don’t fit all body shapes
Where to buy it: Amazon
Best for Ranch Work: Weaver Leather Shotgun Grain Work Chaps
These shotgun-style chaps are made from high-quality full-grain leather that can withstand the roughest treatment. They are flexible enough to work and ride in while protecting you against thorns and insect bites.
Click to see them at Amazon
PROS:
- Made using durable, high-quality leather
- Strong yet flexible enough to allow freedom of movement
- High-quality closures keep chaps secure
CONS:
- Men may struggle to find the perfect fit
- The front tie closure is a bit flimsy
Where to buy it: Amazon
Best for Rodeos: Tough1 Suede Leather Reining Show Chaps
With a suede fringe and basket stamp design, these chaps are guaranteed to stand out in the show ring. Each leg had three buckle straps, making them fully adjustable and easy to fit regardless of your leg shape.
Click to see them at State Line Tack
Like chinks, these chaps only cover the front of the leg, allowing for more airflow and making them more comfortable in hotter weather.
Available in either black or brown, these chaps tend to run a little long, but it’s easy enough to cut off the excess and create the perfect fit.
PROS:
- Eye-catching design
- Easy to adjust
- Cool enough to wear in hot weather
CONS:
- The longer fit means they may need adjusting
- Chink-style design doesn’t protect the back of the leg
Where to buy it: Stateline Tack
Best on a Budget: Tough1 Western Fringed Chaps
These chaps represent excellent value for money. Made from suede leather, they have full-length zippers on each leg and buckles at the front and back, allowing for a more secure fit. Some users have reported problems with the stitching, which isn’t as secure as on more expensive brands.
Click to see them at State Line Tack
Available in either black or brown, these chaps look just as good in the show ring as they do out on the trail, and are suitable for both men and women.
PROS:
- Buckles provide a more secure fit
- Versatile enough to wear on trail or in the show ring
- Lower price range
CONS:
- Stitching could be more secure
- Full-length zippers make it difficult to adjust the length
Where to buy it: Stateline Tack
Best for Horse Shows: Hobby Horse Ultrasuade Fringe Chaps
Hobby Horse is a well-known brand in the Western horse show world. They craft timeless, quality Western wear perfect for horse shows–all the way up to the Quarter Horse Congress.
Click to see them at Hobby Horse
These ultrasuade chaps come in a variety of colors to help you create the perfect combination for your ride. Made from premium materials, these chaps are lightweight yet durable (the zipper itself can take some serious abuse!) and are easily cleaned with a damp washcloth. The fit is flattering for a variety of shapes and sizes.
PROS:
- Made with high quality, durable materials
- Flattering fit appropriate for top level competition
- Variety of color options to create the perfect Western show outfit
CONS:
- Only one length option
- The price point; these have definitely gotten even more expensive with inflation!
Where to buy it: Hobby Horse
Best Chinks: Weaver Leather Pull-Up Fashion Chinks with Floral Yoke Set
These chinks are both fashionable and practical. Made of high-quality leather, these hand-crafted chinks have adjustable leg straps to ensure you get the perfect fit while maintaining freedom of movement.
Click to see them at Amazon
PROS:
- Hand-crafted for superior quality
- Soft, supple leather promotes freedom of movement
- Easy to adjust
CONS:
- Higher price range
- The front tie could be more robust
Where to buy it: Amazon
Shopping Considerations
Aside from style, when shopping for Western chaps, you should prioritize the following features:
Size – it can be challenging to find a pair of chaps that fits snugly without bunching up around the waist or, with half chaps, cutting off your circulation at the knee.
Ideally, Western chaps should fit snugly around the waist, without any gaping or sagging, and extend approximately 1.5 inches past the heel of your boot.
Color – darker colors not only hide the dirt better but, according to the American Quarter Horse Association, “won’t show extra movement” in the show ring, meaning the judge can focus on the horse’s performance.
Material – leather is the most durable material for chaps and is easier to clean than suede, but it’s also pricey.
Suede chaps are considerably cheaper but harder to clean, while synthetic materials are both affordable and machine-washable.
Style – Western chaps come in two basic designs – batwing and shotgun.
Shotgun chaps are straight-legged with a fitted appearance, while the batwing design is slightly flared from the knee down.
The batwing design offers more protection, but the extra material can make them hot, heavy, and cumbersome.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What chaps do cowboys wear?
Cowboys usually wear either chinks or full-length Western chaps. During the winter, they might swap their leather chaps for a wooly pair that provides extra warmth and protection against the elements.
Q: What type of chaps are best?
The best chaps in one situation may be the worst in another, so it depends on what you’re doing.
For ranch work, chinks are often better than Western chaps as they allow for a bit more airflow and give you more freedom of movement.
If you’re going to be in the saddle all day riding through thorny brush, full-length leather Western chaps are ideal, but if you’re entering a showjumping competition, you should be in a pair of the best horseback riding half chaps.
Q: What is the best leather for cowboy chaps?
Cowhide is the best leather for cowboy chaps because it’s durable, relatively waterproof, and resistant to sun damage. It’s also strong enough to withstand sharp thorns and cow horns!
Q: What are the best western riding chaps?
The best Western riding chaps fit snugly, while allowing for plenty of freedom of movement. They protect you from chafing, help keep you in the saddle, and fend off attacks from thorns, biting insects, and charging bulls!
Q: Why do cowboys wear chaps?
Cowboys wear chaps to protect their legs while riding and working on the ranch. They offer protection against the elements, thorns, branches, brush, insect bites, and dirt.
Source: Canva
Parting Thoughts
In many circumstances, chaps are an essential piece of riding equipment. Western chaps not only protect you against chafing but also prevent thorns and cacti from tearing at your clothes and skin.
The best Western chaps should fit snugly without restricting your movement, be hard-wearing enough to offer sufficient protection while being lightweight enough to wear all year round. They also should be easy to clean and resistant to the elements.
P.S. Enjoy this article? Trot on over to:
- Chaps vs. Chinks: What’s the Difference?
- 15 Best Half Chaps for Getting a Grip
- 5 Comfy Tall Riding Boots That Look as Good as They Feel
- 7 Best Horseback Riding Chaps for All Budgets
- 7 Best Spurs for Cowboy Boots and Educated Riders
- 3 Best Dressage Boots for Horses Moving Up the Levels
Source:
https://www.aqha.com/-/horse-showing-style-chaps
