Ariat Ascent half chaps *H&H approved*
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Very comfortable
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Lightweight
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Supportive
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Slightly awkward to do up
Ariat Ascent half chaps
I tested these Ariat Ascent half chaps with the matching paddock boots. Like the boots, the half chaps are unusual, in that they’re “knitted” and made of a soft fabric that helps with the fit. They’ve got a reinforced panel on the inside of the calf and are very comfortable and light, so you hardly know you’ve got them on when you’re riding, but they provide all the support you want from a pair of chaps.
In fit, I’ve always found Ariat long boots to come up on the small size in width and these chaps are the same. I’m as XS/UK8 in leggings but using the size guide I chose these in the medium and they fitted perfectly. I’d measured my calves as 35cm at the widest point, and 42cm from floor to knee. They were almost uncomfortably tight when I first tried them on but Ariat said that’s how they should be, and they seem to have given slightly after a couple of rides.
Worn with the Ascent paddock boots, these would be smart enough to wear for competing. The only downside I can see to the knitted fabric is that they might be harder to keep clean. The chaps also do up from the bottom, which means they’re awkward to get done up, especially as they have to be tight, until you get the hang of it, but the zips seem chunky and sturdy.
After full use for many months, I can confirm these are great chaps. They are of course muddy, having been ridden in all winter, but they still look smart, the fit hasn’t changed and there are no signs of wear anywhere. I would have these again but can’t see them needing to be replaced any time soon.
Verdict
Slightly unusual looking but very comfortable, durable and practical chaps.
View now at ariat.com, amazon.co.uk, sportsdirect.com or rideawaystore.com
What is a first look review?
These are our first impressions of a piece of kit or clothing based on spending some time with it. We will have had our hands on it and given it a really thorough going over before trying it on ourselves or our horses and using it. The information we can give you after this first look will give you some sense of what it’s like to use, even if it’s only an initial view. As soon as we’ve given it a more thorough test, we will update the review with a full scoring and additional thoughts – and possibly award it “Horse & Hound Approved” status.
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Who tested these boots?
Eleanor Jones is Horse & Hound’s news editor. She has two warmblood mares who she competes at British Showjumping events. She has made some exploratory forays into dressage but since her mark sheets have contained phrases such as “unexpected manoeuvre between C and M” and “well sat”, tends to stick to the jumping.
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Eleanor is an experienced journalist who spent over eight years working for local and national newspapers before joining H&H as news editor in March 2016. Passionate about equine welfare and exposing the truth, Eleanor has reported on all aspects of the industry, from Brexit to anti-bullying campaigns, and from dressage rules to mules. Her sport of choice is showjumping, in which she competes her own horses, and she also enjoys reporting at local jumping shows through to international championships.