When you're riding in Big South Fork National Park, you'll see riders wearing a variety of Western-style clothing and gear. Many riders wear chaps or chinks.
Chaps and chinks are both usually made of smooth leather, or suede, and are usually seen in colors such as black, dark brown, navy, dark green, tan and cream. They can be simple, plain and utilitarian or custom made with a combinations of colors and finishes, with fringe or other decorative touches such as conchos.
They are intended to protect the rider's legs from brush and are worn over one's trousers, usually jeans. They buckle on around the waist, with each leg cut from a single piece of leather that wraps completely around the rider's leg, zipping from thigh to ankle. The bottom of Western chaps is usually cut with a flare that allows a smooth fit over boots, while English "schooling chaps" are cut very narrow and very straight.
Chaps are also useful for trapping body heat and many riders wear them during spring and fall to provide extra warmth, especially since they block the wind. They also provide a little extra "grip" on a leather saddle.
Chinks, a word is derived from the Spanish "chinkaderos," are half-length chaps that stop several inches below the knee. They are similar to chaps, but are shorter and they're fastened around the rider’s thighs with straps that snap or buckle, allowing the chinks to move more freely from that point downward. The fringe on chinks is also usually longer and more prominent than fringe found on chaps. They are cooler to wear, more suited to riders in very warm climates, and are favored by those who embrace the California "vaquero" tradition.
If you're visiting the Big South Fork area and you want to see a good selection of "period" riding attire as well as chaps, chinks, hats and boots, be sure to stop by the Mercantile at True West Campground on Leatherwood Ford Road, not far from the national park's west entrance or go online at http://www.truewestonline.com
For information about Big South fork real estate or horse properties in Jamestown, Tennessee, go to www.trailridersrealestate.com
You'll also find a lot of information about the area in general on Tennessee Recreational Properties' website.
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