:horsefeathersltd

The American cowboy seems to be slowly becoming a thing of the past.Gone are the days of cattle ranching when men herded cattle by horseback from their summer high country grazing pastures to the more protective lower winter plains the process now being replaced more and more by motor vehicles or helicopters.But in the late 19^th century men needed to protect their legs from the harsh terrain they encountered as they herded cattle by horseback oft times being forced to rub against cactus, thorns, sage, or other abrasive brush as they moved herds in some very rugged terrain.Borrowing from their Spanish and Mexican counterparts, the American cowboy soon learned that the wearing of chaps something that Mexican vaqueros designed in the early 1800s would protect their legs while riding.And since a cowboy’s legs were almost as critical to him and his effectiveness at his job as his horse, it was of critical importance that they be protected so he could ride the range without injury or infection.A side benefit to wearing chaps was the added warmth they provided in the winter months since they were typically made from skins of deer, goat, buffalo, or cowhide.In their most basic description and in their earliest form chaps were merely two pieces of leather that would be secured to the saddle and wrap around not only the cowboy’s legs but the horse’s chest as well.After all, if the rugged terrain presented a hazard to the cowboy’s legs it was equally perilousto the cowboy’s most critical tool his horse.Adaption over time included customizations to the length and attachment processes as well as embellishments such as Conchos (made from silver or shells) and studs which allowed the cowboy a way to fashion his appearance as unique from his counterparts.Interestingly, even though the notion of the working cowboy is becoming a thing of the past, chaps live on and continue to evolve to meet changing needs as exampled by the non-equestrian working chaps worn by hunters, motorcycle riders, and others who still covet the original need: basic leg protection.

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