b'By Jim and Bobbi Jeen Olson,WesternTradingPost.comC haps is an Americanized version ofthe backside. Although said to be a later invention than shotgun style chaps, it the Spanish word chaparreras whichmakes sense to assume the earliest chaparreras worn by vaqueros (built to be worn loosely translates into for the brush.from the waist) probably more closely resembled this style than the shotgun style. This makes sense, as chaps are intended toAdvantages of the batwing are allowing greater freedom of movement. This not only protect the legs of horsemen from thornymakes it easier to mount a horse, but it is also easier to move around in general. vegetation, cactus, mesquite, and variousThe design allows for more air circulation and is often preferred in hotter weather. other hazards possibly encountered whileIn the early 1900s, Wild West show performers liked decorated versions of batwing riding the range. Chaps are also sometimeschaps and todays rodeo cowboys use a modified version of them. referred to as leggings. Like so many things cowboy in the western UnitedWooly chaps are made basically the same as shotgun States, the wearing of chaps is somethingchaps. The main difference is they have a fleece picked up originally from Mexican cowboys(most often angora) left on the outer areas and they (vaqueros) during the 1800s. Althoughare usually lined with canvas on the inside. They are many sources claim the origin of chaps todesigned for colder climates and are the warmest of all be Mexico during the Spanish ColonialAbove: Chinks worn bychap types. They are often associated with the Northern period, it is very possible the earliest knownShania Twain in her videoPlains and Rocky Mountain regions, but because of form of chaps actually comes from the Souththeir look, they gained popularity with Wild West show of Spain much earlier. Since we know the wordfor Any Man of Mine." performers as well in the early 1900s.chaps is short for chaparreras, and that thisRight: A pair of Wooly refers to leather coverings worn to protect aChaps made by MilesChinks are simply half-length chaps that stop just riders legs from the chaparral, we should lookCity Saddlery. below the knee. They usually have fringe along the sides at the origin of the word chaparral.and bottom. The leg shape is similar to a short pair of batwings and each leg usually has only two fasteners According to John Russell Bartlett, in the Dictionary of Americanisms, Inaround the backside of the thigh (similar to how batwings Spain, a chaparral is a bush of a species of oak. The termination al signifies aare fastened). They are cooler to wear and easy to get place abounding in; so chaparral is a place of oak bushes. This word, chaparral,around in. They are often used when working in a corral had been introduced into the language since our acquisition of Texas and Newor in hotter weather.Mexico, where these bushes abound. It is a series of thickets, of various sizes, from one hundred yards to a mile through, with bushes and briars, all coveredRodeo chaps by definition are just a specialized version with thorns, and so closely entwined together as almost to prevent the passage ofof batwing chaps; however, contestants do not refer to them as batwings. They anything larger than a wolf or hare.are simply called rodeo chaps. There are a few differences between working ranch batwing chaps and rodeo chaps. Rodeo chaps are usually made of thinner leather Much of our cowboy culture, trappings, and traditions can trace their originsand are suppler for ease of movement. They are also more colorful and generally something like this: American cowboys learned it from Mexican vaqueros whodecorated so a contestant stands out. On the other hand, ranch cowboys need in turn learned it from the Spanish Caballeros who brought it across the oceantoughness over style so ranch batwings are usually of heavier leather and not from Spain where they had learned it from the Moors to the south. Along the way,decorated up so much (except in the case of ones used back in the day by Wild West each culture took what they learned and adapted it, to make it their own specialshow performers).version. Chaps are no different. The earliest forms of chaps known were referred to as armas. They were a large piece of cowhide or other leather that hung from theOther types of chaps include farriers chaps/aprons (used by farriers while shoeing saddle and draped down over the riders legs, covering saddle and rider, kind of likehorses). There are other variations commonly used as well such as armitas, an apron. Some sources say this was first used in Spain; others date the invention tozamorros, polainas charras, and English chapsall of which are used in non-New Spain (Mexico) during the Colonial days. Western disciplines of riding. Other specialized versions include things like bikers chaps (generally worn by motorcycle riders and similar to a shotgun chap style). Armas were improved upon over time and along the way they became known asBuckskins worn by Native Americans and mountain men are similar to chaps but chaparreras. These were truly the catalyst of todays modern-day chaps as they wereare more of a form of leather pants, rather than a leather covering worn over pants worn around the riders waist, not draped over the saddle as armas had been. Whenlike chaps are. Texas cowboys began learning the cattle trade from the vaqueros, they adopted their leg protections and the word they were called by was shortened to chaps (sometimesAs to the collectability there is definitely a collectors market out there for Western spelled back then as schaps since it is pronounced with more of an sch sound).chaps. Generally, the older, the better and the condition is very important. Also, There are several different types of chaps recognized today. chaps made by certain makers can be collectible. The top tier of collectability would be something very old (the late 1800s or so) that is in great condition and marked by Shotgun chaps were so named because the legs are straight and narrow (resemblinga well-known maker. Other things collectors like are chaps that are visibly appealing the look of peering down a large shotgun barrel when putting them on). It issuch as woolies and decorated batwings like the Wild West show performers used. generally accepted this was the earliest design used by Texas cowboys. They fitAnother sub-set of collecting would be chaps worn by a famous person, such snugly, wrapping completely around the leg, kind of like another pair of leatheras a rodeo performer. Although not considered that old by Western Americana pants over your regular pants. They are sometimes referred to as step in chapscollectors, a pair of chaps used by someone such as Casey Tibbs or Jim Shoulders because you put them on pretty much the same as a pair of pants. The legs are(famous rodeo contestants) would be collectible.usually fringed and often accented with conchos. They are generally better at keeping the legs warm, an advantage in colder conditions, though they can be unpleasantAs with all Western Americana items, it is always advisable to either know your stuff in hot or humid weather. Shotgun chaps are more common on ranches in theand/or deal with a reputable seller when acquiring a collection of chaps (preferably American West than any other type. both). Unfortunately, there are unscrupulous sellers out there that will take a plain pair of chaps and place studs or other decorations all over them to pass them off Batwing chaps are cut wide and flare out as they go lower down the leg, but areas a more desirable pair. Others will even go as far as placing fake hallmarks of well-open on the back. Generally, they have two or three fasteners around the back of theknown makers on a plain, unmarked pair to enhance their value and artificial aging thigh, usually a thin piece of leather with a hook on the end which attaches aroundis also common. Beware of fakes or items enhanced after the fact because they do not retain value. ArizonaRealCountry.com December 2021 23'