In Australia we call them half chaps with a CH and they're used when riding English (which is most common) to stop rubbing by the stirrup leathers and to give a more secure lower leg. Not sure how 'western' people here pronounce it. Thanks all for the info on what the fringes are fr etc - I'd always wondered. It's so obvious when you know.

The latest in thing here for dressage are gaiters. They are a stiff leather half chap that is used instead of top or long boots and are worn, like the swede or synthetic 'soft' half chaps, over short boots (we also call them jodphur or pony club boots). They are quite acceptable for all levels of competition and look very smart. These ones are not top of the range but you get the idea.

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'With age comes wisdom... and the ability to look back and think to oneself "WTF was I thinking?!"' JB