KG349 wrote:

Chinks are on your thigh. They give you more grip in the saddle, and protect your leg when riding in high brush or trees. But they are not as hot as chaps (pronounced shaps). They typically have long fringe on them to ward off flies too. (you all probably knew all that already huh?).

In Wyoming if someone pronounces chaps with the CH (like chapstick) we assume its a tourist.

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I had no idea. Fascinating.

I find half chaps (English style) keep the stirrup leather from rubbing on my calf (there aren't wide fenders on an English saddle, and the stirrup leather rotates as it goes down, so the edge can bump your leg). And if I'm wearing short boots (paddock boots), and I don't wear half chaps, my breeches or jeans get covered in hair and oil from the horse's fur, too. It also gives the illusion of a tall boot without the expense and maintenance and discomfort, which is handy in lower level shows.