WO2009041838A1

WO2009041838A1 - Apparel for riders

Info

Publication number: WO2009041838A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2008/000255
Authority: WO
Inventors: Kevin Bruce Walmsley
Original assignee: VAN HALL MAURITS EVERT
Current assignee: VAN HALL MAURITS EVERT
Priority date: 2007-09-28
Filing date: 2008-09-26
Publication date: 2009-04-02
Anticipated expiration: 2010-03-28

Abstract

These riding chaps, used in pairs for protecting a rider's legs, leave the outside portion of the legs uncovered yet protect the inside of the legs from the ankle up to above the knee from rubbing against the horse. These chaps provide the rider with similar protection to that of full chaps, yet are cooler, easier to wear, easier to walk around in, and are easier to put on and take off; being secured with (for example) a hook-and-eye fastening means, and are quick to dry if soaked.

Description

TITLE: APPAREL FOR RIDERS.

FIELD

This invention relates to apparel for riders, and in particular to leg coverings for riders. The invention may be particularly suitable for use as riding chaps for providing protection to a rider's legs from the often abrasive nature of riding a horse (or any animal such as a bull, donkey, mule or pony). However, it is to be understood and appreciated that the invention may also have other applications and uses. For example, the leg coverings could also be used as protection or support when riding a bicycle or motorbike or jetski. The prior art and possible applications of the invention, as described below, are therefore given by way of example only.

DEFINITIONS

Throughout this specification unless the text requires otherwise, the word 'comprise' and variations such as 'comprising' or 'comprises' will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

In this specification, the term 'inside portion of a rider's leg' refers, more or less, to the medial or inside half of a rider's leg.

In this specification, the term Outside portion of a rider's leg' refers, more or less, to the lateral or outside half of a rider's leg.

In this specification, the term 'rider' is used to refer to a person that rides an animal or device. The animal may include any animal that is capable of being ridden, for example a horse, bull, mule, donkey, pony, camel, yak, and so on. The device may include any device that is capable of being ridden, for example a bicycle, motorbike, jetski, and so on.

hi this specification, the term 'riding chap' or simply 'chap' is understood to refer to an item of apparel that is designed to protect a rider's legs when riding an animal or device.

BACKGROUND

Riding chaps are well known and used within the horse riding or equestrian fraternity. Chaps are generally in the form of sturdy coverings for the legs, and commonly consist of leggings and a belt. They are usually buckled over a rider's trousers, but unlike trousers they usually have no seat and are not joined at the crotch.

Chaps are designed to provide protection for a rider's legs from abrasion or chafing against the saddle of a horse (or riding tackle such as stirrups and stirrup leathers). Such abrasion or chafing can be quite significant under certain gaits. Chaps can also act as a protective garment for the rider's legs in situations where the rider is riding, for example, through brushy terrain. Chaps may also be worn for exhibition purposes or show use, and this regard they may come in a range of colours and often with decorative trimmings such as tassels

Full chaps generally extend from the ankles to the hips covering all parts of the legs in between and are buckled over a rider's trousers. Half-chaps generally cover the lower legs from the ankles up to just below the knees, and are usually fixed to the rider's boots.

Some difficulties or drawbacks associated with the use of full chaps include the following:

1. Chaps are usually worn over trousers, and as a result the rider often becomes overheated. Moreover, in many countries the environment is often too warm for comfortably wearing two layers over a rider's legs, as would occur if full chaps are worn over jodhpurs, jeans, or the like. Furthermore, this overheating or discomfort can become quite pronounced during long rides and/or vigorous rides.

2. Chaps are usually designed to be quite a tight fit, and hence they are generally quite cumbersome and difficult to walk around in after the rider has dismounted. Moreover, the tight fit also contributes to overheating.

3. It can be quite difficult and time consuming to put on, and remove, full chaps.

4. Often it may be desirable to take the horse into or through water. However, chaps (and the trousers underneath) often take considerable time to dry out, which may cause discomfort for some time afterwards. For example, rashes may form through the wet abrasion between the rider's legs and the saddle.

5. Chaps are usually made from non-breathable materials such as leather or suede, and this can cause a rider's legs to sweat, and also contribute to overheating.

6. Chaps are not designed to allow riders to ride horses whilst wearing shorts or bathing suits, as may be preferred during hot weather and/or when traversing water.

Half chaps are generally more comfortable than full chaps, however they provide much less protection than full chaps, and can still contribute to overheating. Furthermore, half chaps still require jodhpurs or trousers to be worn to prevent friction between the saddle and the knees and/or inner thigh regions of the rider. Moreover, half chaps are only designed to prevent friction between the stirrup leathers and the rider's calves and shins.

US Patent No. 6,101,629 describes a knee chap. The knee chap is designed to only cover the knee of a rider, and consists of a pad to cover the inside of the rider's knee, the pad being held in place by a couple of straps. However the knee chap has several drawbacks or limitations. For example, it only covers the rider's knee and it therefore does not offer full protection to the thighs and/or lower leg of a rider, as would presently available full or half chaps. Nor does the knee chap offer any protection to the boots/shoes or shoelaces of a rider, for example due to friction with the stirrup, or whilst riding through brush and the like. Furthermore, the knee of a rider is frequently being bent and straightened during riding, and also the knee is constantly rubbing against the saddle. As a result the knee chap may be susceptible to slipping up or down or around a rider's leg during use.

It would be advantageous if there was available a chap(s) which offered full protection to the legs of a rider, whilst also addressing problems associated with chaps being somewhat cumbersome and also causing discomfort through overheating.

OBJECT It is an object of the present invention to provide apparel for riding, which goes some way towards addressing the aforementioned problems or difficulties, or which at the very least 80 provides the public with a useful choice.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a riding chap for the leg of a rider, said riding chap including:

a) a contact surface for substantially covering the inside portion of a rider's leg, said 85 contact surface extending from the ankle region of the rider's leg to a region above the knee of the rider's leg,

b) at least one fastening means for securing the riding chap to the leg of the rider,

the arrangement and construction being such that, in use, the outside portion of the rider's leg remains substantially uncovered.

90 The riding chap may preferably include a contact surface for covering a substantial portion of the inside portion of a rider's leg. The contact portion may preferably extend from the ankle region of the rider's leg to a region above the knee of the rider's leg. The riding chap may preferably include at least one fastening means for securing the riding chap to the leg of the rider.

95 The arrangement and construction may be such that, in use, the outside portion of the rider's leg may remain substantially uncovered. In order to achieve this, the riding chap (or surface of the riding chap) may preferably be provided with cut-away portions so that when it is fastened onto the rider's leg, there is at least one laterally directed aperture or opening of substantial dimensions, whereby a substantial portion of the outside portion of the rider's leg remains 100 uncovered. A substantial portion in this instance may preferably be a portion greater than 50%. In such an embodiment, it may be appreciated that the chap does not restrict access of air to the rider's leg or underlying garment. Hence, the chap may be perceived as being free and cool to wear. This arrangement provides for a riding chap which offers full protection to the legs of a rider, 105 whilst also addressing problems associated with presently available full chaps being somewhat cumbersome or causing discomfort through overheating, especially during hot weather and/or long rides. Moreover, the riding chap also allows for a rider to comfortably ride in shorts or bathing suits, for example during hot weather and/or when traversing water.

The riding chap may be of any shape or configuration that allows for it to be placed around the 110 leg of the rider, whereby it may be worn and used in the manner referred to above.

The riding chap may preferably be comprised of a substantially flexible material. Having the riding chap made from a flexible material allows for the riding chap to be readily manipulated and/or fitted around the leg of a rider.

The riding chap may also include, or be comprised of, a substantially sturdy and/or resilient 115 material whereby it is able to withstand the abrasion associated with the rubbing of the rider's leg against the saddle of a horse (or other animal, or device such as a motorbike).

Examples of suitably flexible and/or sturdy/resilient materials may include, but are not limited to, denim, leather, synthetic rubber and suede.

Alternatively or additionally, the riding chap may include, or be comprised of, a stretchable 120 material. Such a material may similarly assist in easily fitting the riding chap around the leg of a rider. Furthermore, having a stretchable material may enable for a snug fit of the riding chap to the rider's leg (once the at least one fastening means has been fastened). Examples of suitable stretchable materials include, but are not limited to, Neoprene and Lycra(TM), and also possibly textile materials.

125 It is also envisaged that the riding chap may include a stretchable mesh material, which may be particularly stretchable, and which may be used to cover the parts of the rider's leg that come into least contact with the saddle or riding tackle. Such materials may be of advantage in that they are light weight and they can be stretched or manipulated to ensure for a snug fit. Moreover, the stretchy nature of these materials may also serve to secure the riding chap around

130 the leg of the rider under a slight tension. Examples of suitable materials may include, but are not limited to, rubber, elastic, spandex, elastane and Lycra(TM). Preferably, the riding chap may include, or be comprised of, a material that is substantially breathable. Examples of suitable materials include, but are not limited to, Lycra(TM), elastic, elastane and textile materials. Having a breathable material allows for the leg of a rider to 135 breath during use, and therefore minimises overheating or sweating.

It is also envisaged that the riding chap may be made up of several materials. For example, the parts of the riding chap which have the most direct contact with a saddle may be made of a reasonably robust material such as leather or suede, and the parts that have the least contact may be made from a more stretchable and/or breathable and/or elastic material. Such an 140 embodiment has the advantage of providing maximum robustness and protection from abrasion, whilst also providing maximum flexibility and comfort.

In an embodiment where more than one material is used, the respective materials may preferably be joined to each other by stitching means.

Alternatively, or additionally, the riding chap may be provided with a number of perforations to 145 - assist in the breathing of (or airflow to) a rider's leg. In such an embodiment, any materials comprising the riding chap which do not ordinarily provide for significant breathing or air circulation may be provided with the perforations, for example any leather or suede or neoprene portions.

Any number and/or size of perforations may be utilised as required or as desired, or as dictated 150 by the riding conditions. In a preferred embodiment it is envisaged that having perforations of between 1 mm to 5 mm may be particularly suitable.

The riding chap may also be provided with any number of padded surfaces to provide extra padding or comfort to parts of the rider's leg, as required or as desired. For example, there may be provided a padded surface in the region of the ankle of the rider, and/or and a padded surface 155 in the region of the calf or shin of the rider, and/or a padded surface in the region just below the knee of the rider and/or a padded surface in the region above the knee of the rider.

There may also be provided a padded surface(s) in a region(s) of the rider's leg that would not ordinarily come into contact with a saddle and/or associated riding tackle. For example, there may be provided a padded surface in the region of the shin or front of the knee of the rider. 160 Such a padded surface(s) may protect the rider against contact with obstacles such as brush or polo sticks and also serve to cushion the rider against any unexpected impacts, for example if the rider's knee is banged against a tree or even if the rider is thrown from the horse.

The riding chap may be provided with any number of fastening means, as required or as desired, or as dictated by the type of riding to be undertaken.

165 Preferably, the fastening means may be readily releasable.

Preferably, the fastening means may allow for the riding chap to be fitted around a rider's leg, under tension, if required or desired.

Preferably, the fastening means may be in the form of at least one pair of complimentary straps, with each pair of complimentary straps being attached at a first end to the riding chap, and each 170 pair of complimentary straps being releasably attachable at a second end to each other.

Preferably, the riding chap may be provided with three fastening means. In such an embodiment, there may be provided a first fastening means in the region of the ankle of the rider; a second fastening means in the region just below the knee of the rider; and a third fastening means in the region above the knee of the rider.

175 Any suitable fastening means may be utilised. Examples include, but are not limited to a belt and buckle type arrangement; a hook and eye type arrangement; and a VELCRO(TM) type arrangement

Preferably, the fastening means may be extendable in length so that they may accommodate legs of different sizes. For example, the straps of the fastening means may be fitted with a belt- 180 type extension system similar to that used for backpacks or seat belts for cars etc.

Preferably, the riding chap may be provided with attachment means for attaching the riding chap to the foot or boot/shoe of a rider. Preferably, the attachment means may be adapted or able to pass over the foot or boot/shoe of the rider. For example, the attachment means may be in the form of a looped section of material extending from the lower portion of the riding chap, 185 the looped section of material being adapted or able to pass over and retain the foot or boot/shoe of the rider. Preferably the looped section of material may be stretchable to assist in its fitting to the foot or boot/shoe of the rider. It is also envisaged that the looped portion may also be extendable (similar to how the straps of the fastening means may be extendable) so that the looped portion may be used by rider's of differing leg or foot sizes.

190 The attachment means for attaching the riding chap to the foot or boot/shoe of the rider may serve to fit the riding chap securely to the leg of the rider. Moreover, having the looped portion made of a stretchable material (eg, Neoprene(TM) or Lycra(TM) or elastic) may serve to fit the riding chap to the leg of the rider under a slight tension, which may result in a particularly snug and/or comfortable fit.

195 Any area of the contact surface of the riding chap may include at least one portion with a slip resistant material or surface. This area may assist in preventing the rider's leg from any unwanted or excessive movement in relation to the saddle whilst riding.

The riding chap may be provided with a flap extending from a lower portion of the riding chap, the flap being adapted or able to cover the upper portion of the foot and/or the laces of the 200 boot/shoe of the rider. Such an embodiment may provide for protection for the upper portion of the foot and/or laces of the boot/shoe of the rider. For example, the flap may prevent the laces from becoming caught in the stirrup and/or from being worn down by constant contact with the stirrup. It is also envisaged that the flap may protect the laces from becoming caught up in obstacles through which the rider may be riding, such as brush.

205 The flap may be permanently fixed to the riding chap, and it may be made of the same or similar materials as the riding chap. Alternatively, the flap may be releasably attachable to the riding chap, for example, by the use of a hook and eye type fastening system or a zipper type fastening system.

The riding chap may be of any colour, although in hot climates, lighter colours may be 210 preferred given that they absorb less heat and light.

It is also envisaged that the riding chaps may come in a range of colours or styles, for example for use as team colours. The riding chap may be particularly suitable for riding a horse, or any animal (with or without a saddle). It may be appreciated that the riding chap maximises protection of the rider's legs from 215 friction and abrasion, yet permits cooling by maximising exposure of the rider's skin (on the outside portion of the rider's legs) during use.

Alternatively, or additionally, the riding chap may be used for riding devices such as motorbikes, bicycles, jetskis, and so on.

It is also envisaged that the riding chap may be used as a temporary protective garment over 220 trousers when, for example, a rider is riding a bicycle or motorbike to work. In such an embodiment, the riding chap may protect the rider's trousers from becoming dirty or entangled in the bicycle or motorbike during the ride to work.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The descriptions of the invention to be provided herein are given purely by way of example, 225 and are not to be taken in any way as limiting the scope or extent of the invention.

DRAWINGS

Fig 1 : is front view of one possible embodiment of the present invention, when fastened to the right leg of a rider,

Fig 2: is an oblique view from the rear, of the embodiment shown in Fig 1,

230 Fig 3: is a view of one possible embodiment of the present invention for a rider's, left leg, when laid out flat,

Fig 4: is a view of one possible embodiment of the present invention for a rider's right leg, when laid out flat,

Fig 5: is a view showing a riding chap being used by a horse rider, and

235 Fig 6: is front view of another possible embodiment of the present invention, when fastened to the right leg of a rider.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Having regard to Figs 1 and 2, there is shown a riding chap, generally indicated by arrow 1. The riding chap 1 (shown hatched) is shown fastened to the right leg 2 of a person (person not 240 fully shown). The riding chap 1 is designed for use by a horse rider 11 (see Fig 5) when riding a horse 12 (see Fig 5).

The riding chap 1 comprises a contact surface 3 for substantially covering the inside portion of the rider's leg 2. The contact surface 3 extends unbroken from the ankle region 5 to the region above the knee 7 of the rider 11.

245 In use, and as illustrated, the outside portion 8 of the rider's leg 2 remains substantially uncovered. This is achieved by virtue of the riding chap 1 being provided with a number of cutaway portions 9 (see Figs 3 & 4) so that when the riding chap 1 is fastened onto the rider's leg 2, the outside portion 8 of the rider's leg 2 remains substantially uncovered. Hence, the riding chap 1 does not restrict access of air to the rider's leg 2 or underlying garment (none in this

250 case), and hence the riding chap 1 is perceived as being free and cool to wear. The riding chap 1 simultaneously provides the rider with the full protection normally afforded by full chaps (the full protection being provided by virtue of the contact surface 3 covering substantially the inside portion of the rider's leg 2 which comes into contact with the saddle 19 (see Fig 5).

Referring to Figs 3 and 4, the riding chap 1 (hatched) includes fastening means for fastening the 255 riding chap 1 around the leg 2 of the rider.

The fastening means includes three pairs of straps 13a and 13b; 14a and 14b; and 15a and 15b. When the riding chap 1 is in use, the straps 13a and 13b are fastened in the region above the knee 7; the straps 14a and 14b are fastened in the region below the knee 7; and the straps 15a and 15b are fastened in the region of the ankle 5. _,

260 It has been found that the above-knee strap (formed by straps 13a and 13b) works especially well, since the strap at 13b tends to lie in the plane of the knee joint. This is particularly convenient when the rider rises in the saddle. The straps 13a,b, 14a,b and 15a,b are formed integrally with the contact surface 3.

The straps 13 a, 14a, and 15a are each provided with a fastening portion 16a, 17a, and 18a,

265 respectively, and each of these portions comprise the 'hook' component of a VELCRO

' fastening system. The straps 13b, 14b, and 15b are each provided with a fastening portion 16b,

17b, and 18b respectively, and each of these portions comprise the 'eye' component of a

VELCRO(TM) (or equivalent) fastening system.

The fastening portions that include the VELCRO(TM) fastening components are stitched to the 270 contact surface 3 of the riding chap 1.

In an alternative embodiment, the 'eye' portion of the VELCRO(TM) fastening system may be replaced by a VELCRO jersey outer surface. Such an embodiment would allow the VELCRO(TM) 'hook' portion more places of attachment, for example for varying leg sizes and/or shapes.

275 Hence, the riding chap 1 may be fastened to the leg 2 of a rider by placing the riding chap 1 around the rider's leg, as shown in Figs 1 & 2, and securing strap 13a to strap 13b; strap 14a to strap 14b; and strap 15a to strap 15c. Furthermore, by having a fastening system utilising VELCRO(TM), it will be appreciated that the straps may be fastened under a slight tension, resulting in a snug and comfortable fit for the rider.

280 The material comprising the riding chap is 3 mm neoprene, although any thickness between 2 to 6 mm would be considered suitable. Neoprene is a light and flexible material which is also somewhat stretchable. Furthermore, neoprene does not tear easily, it can readily be washed, and it dries quickly. Neoprene can also be used in salt water.

The riding chap 1 is provided with two padded portions 20 and 21. These padded portions 20, 285 21 are comprised of another 3 mm layer of neoprene which is stitched onto the inside of the contact surface 3. The padded portions may be of different thicknesses as required or as desired, but a thickness of between 2 mm to 6 mm would be considered optimum. For example, the padded portions for the front of the knee may be up to 6 mm in order to provide maximum protection, for example from a fall. 290 The padded portion 20 provides extra protection for the rider's leg in the region of the inside of the rider's calf, and the padded portion 21 provides extra protection for the inside portion of the rider's leg which is the medial aspect above the knee 7. Both of these regions experience significant friction with the saddle 19 of the horse 12, and hence the padded portions 20, 21 (shown doubly hatched) provide extra protection for this area of significant wear and tear.

295 The riding chap 1 is provided with attachment means for attaching the riding chap 1 to the boot 24 of the rider 11. The attachment means is in the form of a loop of elastic material 25 that is adapted to pass under the rider's boot 24. As well as securing the riding chap 1 to the rider's boot, the loop 25 also serves to maintain some vertical tension in each chap, and to help hold it in place and/or prevent the chap from riding up during use. The loop 25 is stitched to the lower

300 region of the riding chap 1.

In Fig 1 there is also shown a leather flap 26 which is stitched to the front lower portion of the riding chap 1. The flap 26 is designed to provide protection for the boot laces of the rider, for example, to minimise disruption and/or friction between the boot laces and the stirrup. The flap 26 could also be deemed to offer aesthetic benefits.

305 Fig 5 shows the appearance of a riding chap 1 when in use, with the rider 11 having just completed a jump. Normally the stirrup 27 is placed forward of the looped portion 25.

Fig 6 illustrates a slight variation in design. The riding chap 28 illustrated in Fig 6 is similar to that illustrated in Figs 1 & 2, with the exception that the chap 28 is provided with a padded knee-covering portion 29. The chap 28 is also provided with a padded portion 30 which covers 310 a more significant portion of the shin region of the rider's leg 2, but whilst still leaving a substantial portion of the outside of the rider's leg 2 uncovered.

The padded knee portion 29 serves primarily to protect the rider's knee in the event that the rider falls from the horse. The padded knee portion also serves to protect the rider's knee generally, for example from impact against an obstacle such as a branch or tree.

315 Similarly, the padded shin portion 30 serves to protect the rider's shin from impact, for example during a fall or impact with branches or brush (or even from a polo stick/ball if the rider was playing polo). Both padded portions 29 and 30 consist of an additional layer of 5 mm neoprene stitched to the contact surface of the chap 28.

320 SOME VARIATIONS and ADVANTAGES

Early versions of the chaps attempted to use further fastening straps extending up the thigh. Such an embodiment is still within the scope of this invention, however it appears that having three fastening straps, with the highest one just above the knee, is optimal.

For a chap constructed according to the invention but simulating a full-length strap, the chap 325 may also be held in place by, for example, (a) attachments to a belt that the rider wears for his or her trousers, (b) by use of belt dedicated to the chaps, (c) a type of braces extending over the rider's shoulders, or (d) a hook and eye fastener on to some other garment that the rider wears.

One particularly useful variation is for knee protection. Each chap may be shaped so as to fully cover the anterior aspect of the rider's knee (i.e. the patella) so that if the rider falls, her or his 330 knees are protected from abrasion or impact.

Although the preferred fasteners are made of hooks and complementary eyes (such as VELCRO(TM)), other fastening systems such as laces with eyelets, button domes, buckles and straps, or zips may be used.

The invention provides the same level of protection as full chaps, but they also function as cool- 335 wearing chaps, as a consequence of the apertures or openings that appear between the straps when the chaps are worn. They are easy to wear, easy to walk around in, easy to put on and take off, and quick to dry if soaked. They are also compatible with the kind of riding where the rider is off the horse as much as on the horse, since they are compatible with ordinary shoes or boots.

There is no inherent difficulty involved with manufacture.

340 Where in the foregoing description, reference has been made to specific components or integers of the invention having known equivalents, then such equivalents are included as if individually set forth. Those of skill will appreciate that various modifications, additions, known equivalents, and substitutions are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth.

345 While the embodiments described above are currently preferred, it will be appreciated that a wide range of other variations might also be made within the general spirit and scope of the invention and/or as defined by the appended claims.

350

355

Claims

360 We Claim:

1. A riding chap for the leg of a rider, said riding chap including:

c) a contact surface for substantially covering the inside portion of a rider's leg, said contact surface extending from substantially the ankle of the rider's leg to a region above the knee of the rider's leg,

365 d) at least one fastening means for securing the riding chap to the leg of the rider,

2. A riding chap as claimed in claim 1, wherein said riding chap is provided with three fastening means.

370 3. A riding chap as claimed in claim 2, wherein there is provided a first fastening means in the region of the ankle of the rider; a second fastening means in the region just below the knee of the rider; and a third fastening means in the region above the knee of the rider.

4. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein, the contact surface of the 375 riding chap extends to the region near the top of the thigh of the rider.

5. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the fastening means are in the form of a pair of complimentary straps, each pair of complimentary straps being attached at a first end to the riding chap, and each pair of said complimentary straps being releasable attachable at a second end to each other.

380 6. A riding chap as claimed in claim 5 wherein, the straps are attachable to each other by the use of a hook and eye type fastening system.

7. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the fastening means is/are extendable in length.

8. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the riding chap is 385 comprised substantially of a flexible material.

9. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the riding chap is comprised substantially of a stretchable material.

10. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the riding chap is comprised substantially of a Lycra(TM) material.

390 11. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the riding chap is comprised substantially of a breathable material.

12. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the contact surface of the riding chap includes a number of perforations.

13. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the contact surface of 395 the riding chap includes at least one padded surface.

14. A riding chap as claimed in claim 13, wherein there is provided a padded surface in the region of the ankle of the rider, and/or and a padded surface in the region of the calf of the rider, and/or a padded surface in the region just below the knee of the rider and/or a padded surface in the region above the knee of the rider.

400 15. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein there is provided a padded surface in the region of the shin of the rider.

16. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the riding chap is provided with attachment means for attaching the riding chap to the foot or boot/shoe of a rider.

405 17. A riding chap as claimed in claim 16, wherein the attachment means is in the form of a looped section of material extending from the lower portion of the riding chap, the looped section of material being adapted or able to pass over and retain the foot or boot/shoe of the rider.

18. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the contact surface of 410 the riding chap includes at least one portion with a slip resistant material or surface.

19. A riding chap as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein there is further provided a flap extending from a lower portion of the riding chap, said flap being adapted or able to cover the upper portion of the foot and/or the laces of the boot/shoe of the rider.

20. A riding chap as claimed in claim 19, wherein said flap is releasably attachable to the 415 riding chap.

21. A riding chap as claimed in claim 20, wherein the flap is releasably attachable to the riding chap by the use of a hook and eye type fastening system.

22. A riding chap as claimed in claim 20, wherein the flap is attachable to the riding chap by a zipper type arrangement.

420 23. A riding chap for the leg of a rider, said riding chap including:

a) a surface for substantially covering the inside portion of a rider's leg, said surface extending from substantially the ankle of the rider's leg to a region above the knee of the rider's leg, and said surface being provided with cut-away portions so that when said riding chap is fastened onto the rider's leg, there is at least one laterally

425 directed aperture or opening of substantial dimensions, whereby a substantial portion of the outside portion of the rider's leg remains uncovered,

24. A method of riding a horse (or other animal), said method including the step of the utilising the riding chap, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23.

430 25. A method of riding a bicycle, motorbike or jetski, said method including the step of utilising the riding chap, as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 23.