:horsefeathersltd

We all know that horses don’t have feathers.But if the idea of feathers is to protect against harsh elements and provide warmth in cold climates, then it’s easy to understand why the concept of horsefeathers was created since chaps, as worn by the American cowboy, served that exact purpose.Sure, chaps don’t actually protect the horse, serving more as a protection for the rider; but without a safely protected rider being able to guide the horse, the journey for both might all be for naught.And as with the evolutionary process of feathers as a form of species protection, chaps have also experienced an evolution of sorts from their crass beginnings as rough, unpliable animal hide to today’s more luxury trimmings of butter-soft suede, silver and gem embellishments, and wind-catching fringes.In short, horsefeathers is a journey of sorts.It’s a look back at the history the introduction and original intention of use to the present time and how chaps are no longer used strictly for herding cattle or leg protection in harsh climates, but so much more.It’s a reflection on the taming of the west, and how that might never have been possible had the cowboy’s legs not had the armor the chap armor that their Mexican and Spanish counterparts introduced to them.

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