Half Chaps

The single most important question is which boot you wear. If you wear Kentucky jodhpur boots, choose the Kentucky Half-Chaps — they are designed to sit correctly against the Kentucky boot's profile and fasten securely at the ankle.

If you wear any other short riding boot — Idaho Jodhpur, Idaho Storm, Chatsworth Storm, Blair Storm, or boots from other brands — choose the Vaqueros. The Vaqueros are specifically noted as not compatible with the Kentucky jodhpur boot, so using them with Kentucky boots will result in a poor fit.

The Vaqueros are designed for most short riding boots and jodhpur boots from Bareback Footwear and other brands, with the exception of the Kentucky jodhpur boot. Within the Bareback range, compatible boots include the Idaho Jodhpur, Idaho Storm, Chatsworth Storm, and Blair Storm.

If you are unsure whether the Vaqueros will fit your boots, the key consideration is the ankle and instep profile of the boot — the Vaqueros use a 4cm elastic stretch panel and foot stirrup to accommodate a range of boot shapes.

Despite serving different boot profiles, the Vaqueros and Kentucky Half-Chaps share the same fundamental construction:

• 4cm covered elastic stretch panels for a close, flexible fit
• Elastic foot stirrups to keep the chap positioned correctly over the boot
• Leather skirt over the instep for a neat, traditional finish
• 4cm Spanish top line
• Piped finish along the edges
• Top and bottom zip protectors to prevent the zip snagging on clothing or tack

Both are made from leather and are designed to sit cleanly over a short riding boot, giving the appearance of a long boot without the bulk.

Half chaps are typically sized by calf circumference and height. The elastic stretch panels in both the Vaqueros and Kentucky Half-Chaps provide some adjustment range, so they accommodate a variety of leg shapes without requiring a precise measurement.

For the best fit, measure around the widest part of your calf and refer to the size guide on the individual product page. If you are between sizes, sizing up generally gives a more comfortable fit for everyday riding use.

Two measurements, both taken standing up, in the socks and breeches you'll actually ride in — your calf changes shape when you sit down.

Chap's height — from the base of your heel to the crease at the back of your knee.

Calf width — run the tape up and down your calf to find the widest point, and keep it snug.

Those two numbers are exactly what the size options on each product are called: Chap's Height (cm) and Calf Width (cm).

Watch: how to measure — 2 min

When they arrive, try them on over the boots you'll wear them with, not in socks. New chaps feel tight at first; the leather and the elastic panels give as you wear them. The Vaqueros zip from top to bottom, with a popper at each end.

Between sizes, or measuring somewhere in the gap? Ring us on 01886 888873, Monday to Friday, 10am to 4.30pm — we fit these over the phone every week.

No. The Vaqueros are not compatible with the Kentucky jodhpur boot. The Kentucky boot has a specific ankle and instep profile that requires the dedicated Kentucky Half-Chaps. Using Vaqueros with Kentucky boots will result in a poor fit at the ankle and instep. If you wear Kentucky boots, please choose the Kentucky Half-Chaps.

The Kentucky Half-Chaps are engineered specifically for the Kentucky jodhpur boot and are unlikely to give the correct fit on other boot styles. If you wear a short riding boot other than the Kentucky, the Vaqueros are the right choice.

The Vaqueros are available in Black, Brown, and Navy.

The Kentucky Half-Chaps are available in Mocha, Polished Brown, Polished Black, Navy, and Grey — five options chosen to coordinate with the Kentucky jodhpur boot colourways.

Half chaps are sized by calf circumference and height. The elastic stretch panels in both families provide flex across a range of leg shapes. Measure the circumference of your calf at its widest point and check the size guide on the individual product page. If you are between sizes, sizing up is usually the more comfortable choice for riding.

Half chaps need to fit two things at once: your calf, and the boot underneath. If the leg feels right but they won't sit properly over your boots, it's usually a boot-compatibility issue rather than a sizing one — for example, the Vaqueros don't fit correctly over Kentucky jodhpur boots, so you'd need the Kentucky Half-Chaps instead.

Always try half chaps on over the actual boots you intend to wear them with, not barefoot or in socks, since the boot's shape at the ankle and instep affects the fit as much as your calf measurement. If you're still unsure which pair to choose, contact us with the name of your boots and we can advise.

Wipe off mud and dirt after each ride and allow to dry naturally away from direct heat sources. Apply Dubbin or a wax conditioner periodically to keep the leather supple. Avoid folding the chaps for storage — rolling them loosely or hanging them flat helps maintain their shape and prevents creasing at the knee and ankle.