Chaps come in many forms. There are shotgun chaps, batwings chaps, rodeo chaps, chinks , schooling chaps, motorcycle chaps, half chaps, and many variations of these.
Chap styles depend on their use. A pair of ranch chaps would not have the fancy tooling and tons of silver that a pair of Show Chaps might have. They also would probably be made to fit comfortably, where most Show Chaps are made to form to the body to give a clean image and minimize movement.
Cutter batwings are made just the opposite, to maximize the movement of the cutting horse and his ability to control and maneuver the cow. Some Cutter Batwings I've made had as much tooling and silver as Show Chaps, just a different design for a different purpose.
Schooling Chaps are just for that: schooling your horse and keeping a better seat. These are fun to design because one can do anything with them, use exotic skins, rhinestones, embroidery, etc. One is limited only by one's own imagination, and the ability of the chapmaker! Most schooling chaps are in the form of shotgun chaps and should be comfortible enough for jumping, cross country, and any discipline desired. They are not used in the show ring!
Half Chaps are versatile, practical, and give a rider a better grip and seat. They are not as hot as schooling chaps (in the summer), as they go from knee to heel. By the same token, they are not as warm as schooling chaps in the winter!
Rodeo Batwings are a lot of fun to design and make because they are very colorful and 'out there'! I usually make them with several metallic leathers, fringe, initials, and as wild as my client wants them!
Chinks are batwing chaps, usually with fringe, that go just below the knees. They allow more freedom of leg movement, while still protecting the rider.
I also make Motorcycle chaps. There are 2 styles of these: the traditional, styled much like cowboy chaps; and those that loop over the belt (much more practical for riders who tend to have a tummy and a small waiste). |