
You normally won’t see many smooth chaps in the pen. They were fashion in the past but, in the recent years, suede chaps took the scene. In the reining pen they are considered really cool, but in the last months there was an increase of smooth chaps also in the Pleasure and Western Riding Classes. Maybe one of the “cause” of the coming back of the smooth chaps could be the “bolero trend”. We all agree that smooth chaps are not ok for Horsemanship, but I think they look really pretty if you wear them with a bolero. Boleros are short and smooth chaps can draw attention to you and can emphasize the length of your leg. Moreover it is something extra fancy that is not often seen in the pen.
I have always been a huge fan of smooth chaps. I purchased them when I was still showing Reining horses and I continued to wear them also when I “switched” to the All Around classes. I was wearing them (also if they were not “in”) because I liked them and it made me happy. I think fashion should be that way: you have to wear what makes you happy, not what is considered trendy.
I like to wear them in Western Pleasure together with my bolero. In my opinion they add a “rock” touch to my outfit. Of course I am going to wear them also in case I show in Western Riding and Reining.
Which is your opinion about smooth chaps? Do you like them?