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Western Chaps
Western chaps derives from the spanish word chaparejos or chaparreras. More in line with the Mexican Spanish type of language. The garment was derived from Spanish chaparro which in one meaning isa low growing thicket or protection without damaging your clothing. Naturally worn over trousers and protection from riding horses.
A Chap also refers to a 'sort of' belt , but unlike regular jeans, they are not joined at the crotch. The sole purpose is to protect clothing and in the bigger picture, the inside of your thighs when riding.
Typically chaps come in leather or similar material. Leather are the best chaps you can get today and will give you the most protection. Western chaps, as the website shows, are most commonly associated with the culture of the American cowboy and used as the cowboy rides in bushy thick terrain.
Western shows, rodeos etc also sport the Western chap for show and exhibition, but even in the world today, chaps are used for protection.
More on Western Chaps.
History shows that the earlier forms of these protective leather garments were used by riders who herded cattle in Span and Mexico. They were actually called "armas", which means "shields."
These armas or shields were basically two pieces of cowhide and used like an apron for protection and were attached to the horn of the rider's saddle. Then the armas were spread across both the horse's chest and the rider's legs.
Naturally today, we find a much easier fitting form of chaps. The modifications have now placed the entire garment fully on the rider and then from that point thier has bee many style variations. You can almost tell where the chaps were made depending on the look and how they were put together. From the cowboys in Mexico to the Pacific coast and northern Rockies and up into Canada they wore western chaps (or western style)
There are rumors and possible good evidence that the idea of fully putting chaps on the rider came from the mountain men and Native American Indians who wore different types of leggings to protect themselves from the terrain and keep their legs safe. One way to tell where the chaps were made is from the typical local climate, terrain and hazards these earlier riders had to endure.
Today, on the internet, there are plenty of good bargains for western-wear chaps. Leather chaps and more can be found searching around the net at good prices. Naturally you would want a comfortable and protective set of chaps for the purpose you are riding. For fun, for cattle, for entertaining, for shows, for rodeo's, there are plenty of places to find the exact western chaps your looking for