How do I measure for half chaps?

Half chaps cover your lower leg from the ankle to below the knee, worn over a short (paddock) boot. Horse Journal puts it this way: riding in them is "more like riding in tall boots than using full chaps." I'm the non-rider on the team, so I'll stick to the measuring tape. The part that trips people up is that sizing takes two numbers, not one.

Most half chap size charts ask for your calf measurement and your leg height, so you'll need both. Brands name sizes differently, so the size you wear in one may not match another. That's why you measure and then use the chart for the exact pair you're buying. Not sure yet whether you need half chaps at all? See our paddock boots and half chaps answer.

You take two measurements: the widest part of your calf, and your leg height from the floor to the bend behind your knee. Size guides generally describe it this way, in short:

• Sit in a straight chair with your knee bent at 90 degrees and your feet flat on the floor.
• Have someone else take the measurements if you can.
• Calf: wrap a flexible tape around the widest part of your calf. If your calves differ, use the larger number.
• Height: measure from the floor to the bend behind your knee. Horse Journal points out that makers measure height differently, either from the knee to the floor or from the knee to the ankle bone, so check which way your chart wants it.
• Match both numbers to the size chart for the half chaps you're buying.

Wear what you'll ride in: your breeches and, if you wear them, thick socks. Horse Journal says to measure in the pants you'll ride in most, and to add thick socks if that's what you wear in your boots.

Then check the half chaps will fit over the paddock boots you ride in. Some makers sell matching boots and half chaps as a system, which Horse Journal describes as designed to interlock for the look and feel of a tall boot.

Start with the size chart for that exact style, because makers don't all agree on this. Few of the guides we read address in-between sizes at all, so here is what they do say.

Horse Journal says half chap size charts assume a snug fit, so if a pair slides on easily around your leg, it is probably too loose. It also says riders with long calves may find even "tall" sizes suit average calves, so check the height number as well as the calf. A snug fit that gives a little with wear is the usual expectation, while a pair that is loose from day one is more likely to slip.

Still can't decide? Check the return and exchange policy before you order, and ask the maker or us. Our returns information explains how exchanges work.

Many brands offer more than one length, so measure your height rather than guessing. Kerrits lists its GripTek half chap in standard and Tall lengths. Horse Journal notes that riders with long calves can struggle to find a pair that reaches the knee.

On our own site, some styles list sizes like short and tall (for example, 'Short Medium' and 'Tall X Small') and kids' styles are often listed by age range, such as 4-6 or 6-8 years. Because that varies, measure kids too and check the chart for that style.

New half chaps should feel snug around the calf and sit high on the back of the knee. Horse Journal says they are meant to fit snugly, and that the zipper on a properly fitted pair should be somewhat difficult to close, much like a well-fitted tall boot. A properly fitted chap can still press behind the knee at first, according to Horze, which adds that leather chaps often cause less trouble than boots because elastic bands are often built into the zip.

Stretch panels help. Ovation's Top Grain Half Chaps, for example, are described with stretch panels for a close fit. A pair that is too large from the start is likelier to slip down, fold or twist than one that is snug now and settles in over time.

As for the break-in, Horse Journal found the ankle area of a tested system stiff for the first few rides but not uncomfortable, and said it needed less break-in than a new pair of tall boots.

Pull them on over your paddock boot and breeches, then fasten the zipper and the bottom closure. The details depend on the style. Ovation describes genuine YKK zippers that resist dirt and debris with snap closures at the bottom to keep the half chaps secure. Its EZE Tab suede half chaps use hook and loop tabs and an elastic strap that goes under the foot. Kerrits describes a side zip with a large stretch elastic panel to adjust the fit.

You may want a second pair of hands during the first few wears. Take your time, and follow the maker's instructions for your pair. Horse Journal also cautions that zippers aren't built to handle pulling force on the teeth, so they can wear over time. If wear seems excessive for the amount of use, contact the seller.

• Put on your breeches and paddock boots first.
• Slide the half chap up over the boot, lining up the back of the knee.
• Zip it from the bottom up. A stiff zipper on a new pair is normal.
• Fasten the bottom closure (snap, strap or tabs), then check the top sits below your knee and that it doesn't gap at the ankle.

With care, a good pair can last for years, and wear usually starts at the zipper. Horse Journal says zippers can wear over time and suggests repairing the zipper or replacing very worn chaps. Check the care label for your pair, because leather, suede and stretch fabrics are not cared for in the same way.

Showing is a different question. Horse Journal says half chaps aren't legal at most recognized shows and events, so tall boots are still needed there. Paddock boots with half chaps are accepted at some lower-level and schooling shows, so check the prize list; our paddock boot guide has more on that. Horse Journal adds that wearing half chaps for everyday riding can extend the life of tall boots.