Close contact half chaps?

[0]

Hello, here to ask your help and advice, again.

Quick resume first: I have incomplete paraplegia which basically means my left leg doesn't work properly partly through partial paralysis and partly through weakness.

I no longer have my long riding boots, and have been using jodpur boots with half chaps. The half chaps help me to keep my ankles/lower leg more stable, however, I don't feel they're giving me enough feeling. What close contact chaps would you advise/do you like? I had a look at some Ariat ones, but the price made me wonder (well, hope) if there are any others that would do the job for a bit less?

I'm not sure I've explained the situation enough, so please ask for clarification if needed.

You help, as always, is very much appreciated! Many thanks in advance

 

[peanut]

I have the Ariat close contact and am not keen on them as the leather is so slippery and therefore do not help in keeping your lower leg still.

 

[0]

That's good to know, Snowdrop. I'm relieved!

Thanks

 

[oofadoofa]

I have some Ariat close contact chaps for competitions, but I don't feel they're much different to my suede ones that I wear for everyday. They just look smarter!

 

[I_A_P]

blimey i have those and they are fantastically soft, so soft that they are not slippy at all-not even when i bought them home.

best pair of chaps i have ever had

 

[the watcher]

I also have a weak leg through injury and have found that suede tends to give me a better grip and feel.

Nice to see you posting again btw

 

[0]

Fran, maybe they're too nice/expensive for an old cripple anyway

Suede - brilliant idea. I did see some but didn't try them on for some reason....can't think why now... thank you, Oofadoofa and Mother Hen. Particularly useful that you understand about the injury thingy, Mother Hen. But I'm so sorry I have the brain of a goldfish and hence don't remember you.

Also, I guess I'm not really 'posting' as such, I just knew here was probably the best place for suggestions

 

[Vicki1986]

hi, i have the ariats (they do a version with suede on the inside too although im not sure what they are like) i love my ariats i save them for best. for everyday i have a Shires pair - i picked them up at gatcombe horse trials for £20 i think. such a bargain, they look smart too, although they have gone a little baggy at the ankles so perhaps not going to be tight enough for you or maybe i didnt get a small enough size.

also i had a mountain horse pair that were fantastic but the zip broke - bummer. and they only come in black and now i only have brown stuff. boohoo. don't think they are made anymore, the nearest thing i think is their excellesior ones last time i looked last year.

 

[0]

Thanks Vicki, your experiences with different makes are useful.

 

[Mavis]

I have tried lots of half chaps - Gibbins ones are like wearing baggy boot socks - hated them; Jumpers horse line do (or did) some nice leather ones which gave plenty of feeling but absolutely no support; my Ariats are the best Ive ever tried. I am glad I got them fitted as the fitter told me to get them far too tight and far too long, but they are just starting to fit properly after a couple of months. I feel supported but not restricted and I feel I can really 'feel' the horse in them. Unfortunately (for my bank account) I wouldnt go back. I do not find them slippy or stiff (just tight to start with!) Thy also appear very robust - I found that the smaller zips tended to go after a while but the ariat close contacts have a really chunky zip which seems set to last (I hope!

)

 

[0]

Ethel, thank you so much. Although Ariats now sound really good, I'm not sure I can justify the expense at the moment. I think I'll try out a suede pair and if my riding continues to improve, I'll consider getting the Ariats later.

Many thanks everyone who replied