Saddles might be one of the most essential horse equipment that can improve your horse riding experience. However, you really shouldn’t forget about the other pieces of equipment that can help you do your job without a problem. Whether you are into horseshoeing, trimming and combing, or you are simply caring for its hooves, protecting your legs is essential.
What Do Farriers Wear on Their Legs?
The most common thing farriers wear to protect their legs while working is leather aprons also known as farrier chaps. These accessories have been worn by farriers for centuries, and the reason is simple – to provide utmost protection from nail wounds and any potential damage from horses’ hooves. Given the fact that they have been used since ever, back then these aprons were only a one-piece design made of thick leather.
They also featured a waist belt and a strap at the top of the thighs for a more secure fit. Nowadays, there’s a large selection of farrier apron available in a large selection of materials while featuring an array of features like padding at the top of the thigh for reduced back pain, tool pockets, strong magnets, and so much more. Different manufacturers offer different aprons with different features, so going over all of them can help you find the right and most secure fit.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Right Ones
Material
While in the past, people were able to choose only from leather aprons, nowadays, you can choose from a selection of materials. However, the thing that stays the same is to choose a durable and comfortable farrier apron that provides a good fit and utmost protection.
Leather
This might be the most basic type of material used for the purpose, a classic because it’s the comfiest, sturdiest and most appealing one. Usually made from a full-grain leather, you can expect your chap to provide you with utmost comfort and durability without compromising on protection.
No matter the job you are dealing with, you can have peace of mind that you’ll stay well-protected from punctures and scrapes no matter what. In order to get the most out of it, look for one that is extremely thick and of quality. Even though it might take some time to soften a bit and mold according to your legs, you can have peace of mind that you will be well-protected all the time.
Nylon
Nylon is one of the most heavy-duty and durable types of fabrics used for the creation of extremely sturdy types of clothing pieces and accessories. When compared to leather, it seems that nylon is way more affordable, which explains its common use over the years. Plus, this material is harder to damage, tear and scratch, which isn’t the case with leather.
Nylon chaps also seem to mold to the body faster than leather chaps since the latter need more time to mold according to the shape of your legs. Nylon is also lighter than leather, which adds to its comfort and convenience. Being durable also means that nylon aprons can have more features than leather chaps, so seeing tool hooks and numerous pockets are some of the many things you can find on nylon chaps.
Combination
For those of you who can’t decide which is better or simply love the appearance of leather and the features of nylon, you can always shop for hybrid chaps, which are made from both of the aforementioned materials. While leather provides durability and style, nylon provides more flexibility and durability, so the use of both materials is something that manufacturers tend to use.
Features
Generally speaking, these types of farrier equipment should contain all the needed pockets and zippers that allow for storing and keeping all the needed essentials while not obstructing their access. However, there are some other important things that you should take into account if you want to get the most out of your chaps.
Leg Straps
The chosen chaps should have leg straps that allow for fast disconnection, which is paramount in case of an accident with the horse. So, when searching for the right ones, make sure to check if the favoured straps have clips, snaps or hook-and-loop closure types of connections. The chosen chaps should also have leg straps that are adjustable for a more secure and snug fit.
Waist Strap
Practice shows that chaps should have an adjustable waistband that allows for flexibility. This is essential for ensuring a proper fit, as that way the farrier apron will stay in place without worrying that it will fall off because of the extra weight coming from wearing all the needed tools.
Tool Storage
The last thing to look for in such aprons is a place where you can store your tools while being within reach. Ideally, you should look for chaps with tool pockets and hanging straps where you can keep the most commonly used tools on a daily basis.
