What kind of farrier chaps?

[Auventera Two]

:sigh: Just curious what brand of farrier apron you guys and girls use? I have been using KC's for a couple of years and it sucks with a capital SUCK. Trust me, don't ever buy it. I've been looking for months but I'm not sure which to try next.

I want thin leather that wraps around your leg nicely after a SHORT breakin period, preferably suede and attaches with velcro. It is impossible to fiddle with little snaps when it's -7 degrees and your fingers are numb from the neck down. Last night I snapped one of the snaps and it felt like two of my fingers fell off.

I have just kept putzing along with the KC apron because aprons are so darned expensive and it's one more piece of equipment I haven't wanted to play the "how much $$$ can I waste buying $150 aprons that all suck trying to find one I might actually like....." game.

Before the KC apron I used a homemade one that my step mom-n-law sewed out of an old pair of jeans. They were awesome but are now worn out.

[BornToRide]

You and me both - I also like the ones with elastic belt - you can't find those on a leather apron :(

[Tree]

I think the ones I use are Cordura but if not, they're the nylon brand with the leather reinforced safety patches (where nails would get you) and knife pocket on each leg with the breakaway snaps on one end of the belt and buckle on the other. Oh yeah, snap thigh straps too.

I love the pair I've been wearing now for 8 years even though they are really tattered looking. They come in all sorts of colors: navy, forest green, fushia (pinky purple), camoflage and black.

They break in very quickly.

The only trouble I've had with mine were the breakaway snaps letting go too easily so I had the place that sells them (also a tack repair place), add 2 more snaps and that worked.

And the only other trouble were the knife pockets. My current pair will hold 2 knives in each pocket but the newer pairs wouldn't. So when I finally decide to retire the pair I love, I will have those pockets removed and added to the next pair.

Tree

[Rick Burten]

:sigh: Just curious what brand of farrier apron you guys and girls use?

I use a C&M apron It has both snap and clip closures for the legs. No velcro. There is one for sale here http://cgi.ebay.com/BRAND-NEW-FARRIERS-C-M-APRON-CHAP-REF-895_W0QQitemZ300280028637QQcmdZViewItem and even with S&H its a really good price.

The only apron I know of that has the velcro is the Myron McLane apron.

[quote] It is impossible to fiddle with little snaps when it's -7 degrees and your fingers are numb from the neck down. Last night I snapped one of the snaps and it felt like two of my fingers fell off.I/quote]

I never use the snap option, always, the clip. In fact, I remove the metal strip that keeps the clip attached and just hook the clip into the ring.


Actually Vickey, I've got an old C&M apron that I no longer use, even as a back up.(Its the second of two such). Its a bit worn but its still serviceable so if you'd like it, PM your address and I'll ship it to you. No Charge. You can use it for however long it lasts and then decide on what apron you'd like to purchase. If you want it you will have to put up with my name and such embroidered on it. :)

I would also suggest that when you get a chance, you take a trip to a farrier supply house and look at and try on the various styles of aprons.

Rick

[Rick Burten]

And the only other trouble were the knife pockets. My current pair will hold 2 knives in each pocket but the newer pairs wouldn't.

You use four different knives to trim one horse? :eek:

[Daydream Believer]

I'd just like to find a pair that fits a petite female frame. Mine were made for a full size man I think!

[EqTrainer]

I find trimmers chaps to be so ungainly that I just buy lots of jeans at the thrift store and trim without chaps. I have had three different types of chaps, hated them all.

[Dune]

If you want, A2, next time our female farrier duo is out (about 2wks from now) I'll ask them what they prefer. Just remind me closer to that time. :)

[Daydream Believer]

I find trimmers chaps to be so ungainly that I just buy lots of jeans at the thrift store and trim without chaps. I have had three different types of chaps, hated them all.

I do that also with youngsters especially. I find the chaps just get in my way. I do miss my pockets though for my knife (just one!) and my pick. ;)

Since I now trim from the top mostly, the chaps are bit less of a nuisance and they do help protect my legs..I have much fewer bruises now as a result of wearing them most of the time.

[BornToRide]

I do that also with youngsters especially. I find the chaps just get in my way. I do miss my pockets though for my knife (just one!) and my pick.
What about using a leg strap on for cell phone or flash light, etc. That might be a good alternative to use.

[EqTrainer]

I do figure that not wearing chaps has made me very accurate w/my rasp :lol:

[rmh]

Aprons are good for keeping the blood off your clothes.:eek: .....Mine not the horses. I seem to keep forgetting my gloves. Especially with new rasps:lol:

[Tree]

You use four different knives to trim one horse? :eek:

I might use all 4 but it just depends.

I have broader blade knives that are newer than those of the same brand that are older and are narrowed from all of the sharpenings. The broader ones are sturdier while the narrower ones are great for getting into tight places, areas requiring more finesse or smaller hooves like those of dwarf horses. So I have 2 righthanded and 2 lefthanded with a narrow and broader of each.

Tree

[Peter026]

I use these http://www.gibbins.co.uk/farriersaprons1.html ,but don't know if they ship to the U.S.

[EqTrainer]

Aprons are good for keeping the blood off your clothes.:eek: .....Mine not the horses. I seem to keep forgetting my gloves. Especially with new rasps:lol:

Ahhhhh.. now I do keep lots and lots of nitrile gloves around.. with the strategic areas duct taped for extra protection :D no gloves, no trimming!

[decorum]

I'd just like to find a pair that fits a petite female frame. Mine were made for a full size man I think!

LOL, I need some made with a big female butt in mind. I have an ancient apron that is all leather and I love it but my left pocket is falling off and my snaps all need to be replaced, again. I have actually trimmed without it a bit lately but that sucks. I can only use my hammer to widen the snaps so many times before they just give out. I would love to find one without snaps!

I tried on some cool looking ones at the farrier supply but they wouldn't go low down around my hips, I like my apron way down low.

And I only use that left pocket for a pick, one knife works just fine for me. :)

[Tom Stovall]

These folks have a pretty good assortment, but I wouldn't buy a pair of chaps without knowing how they fit. http://www.alvinfarriersupply.com/shop/?cart=111122&cat=2

[Tree]

These folks have a pretty good assortment, but I wouldn't buy a pair of chaps without knowing how they fit. http://www.alvinfarriersupply.com/shop/?cart=111122&cat=2

I see they have the cordura apron. I forgot they came in burgandy too and now it seems they have a magnet. :cool:

Tree

[Auventera Two]

LOL, I need some made with a big female butt in mind. I have an ancient apron that is all leather and I love it but my left pocket is falling off and my snaps all need to be replaced, again. I have actually trimmed without it a bit lately but that sucks. I can only use my hammer to widen the snaps so many times before they just give out. I would love to find one without snaps!

I tried on some cool looking ones at the farrier supply but they wouldn't go low down around my hips, I like my apron way down low.

And I only use that left pocket for a pick, one knife works just fine for me. :)

Yeah, I hate snaps. They pop off so easy, and they're so hard to snap. You have these teenie little snaps you're trying to line up way over on the side of your hips when it's ten below zero.

KC's apron sits very high naturally. If I put it down lower, it just migrates up until it's halfway up my belly. :dead: And I've gotten bad pinches and cuts from the alligator clip that adjusts the waist of the apron. I cannot tuck a long shirt in, then put the apron over that because I feel way too claustraphobic with a shirt tucked in.

When it's cold this like, I sometimes just trim in my lined Carharrt jeans and skip the apron. But at $50 a pair, you have to be REALLY careful with the rasp to not fray the material at the knee area.

I use two knives and I put them in my calf caddy, which I like ok. I don't like reaching for knives in apron pockets. I like the knives down low on my leg so that thingie works out alright. I still think I'm going to sell that calf caddy though and just buy a shoeing box on wheels. That would be much better yet.

[Patty Lynch]

You can custom order the Buddy Apron with velcro at the legs and or the belt.... and it also comes in bright purple if you're into that :D. Well-Shod.com will let you special order. This one has velcro at the legs and belt too. http://www.well-shod.com/index.php?next=&numrows=7&category[0]=Farrier+Apron&subcategory[0]=&keywords=&offset=6#

*Sigh* I've been shopping for a while now also. I need a new one but am stuck in the land of indecision :lol:. I did go to the farrier supply and try a bunch on.... still couldn't find one I really like. The Original Myron Mclane swallowed me (even a small) and the velcro was too long and way overlapped for me. They have a "summer weight" that is lighter but they didn't have it in stock to try. That one is my first choice but I'm afraid to take the leap without trying it on. It's this one http://www.myronmclaneaprons.com/lite.html

I modified the one I have and added sheepskin pads to my knees on the underside and LOVE IT but it is really wearing out topside. I have clips at the legs and while I like them, I think I'd like the velcro for on/off ease and breakaway too.

I'm hoping Santa brings me one... that way I can just be done with it and move on already :lol::winkgrin:

[Lauren!]

I don't use mine nearly as much as most of you guys (just to do the retired horse and the occasional trim) but I bought mine from this guy: http://stores.ebay.com/rj-shoeing-designs . Inexpensive, sturdy, and seems to have all of the features of the cordura ones the local farrier's supply sells at half the cost. Mine has plastic quick release buckles, but I'm guessing they could make it however you want. If you liked the homemade one, this might be something to look at... I picked it over the others available because I DON'T use it a lot, and it was soft and comfortable from the first wearing.

[BornToRide]

I don't use mine nearly as much as most of you guys (just to do the retired horse and the occasional trim) but I bought mine from this guy: http://stores.ebay.com/rj-shoeing-designs . Inexpensive, sturdy, and seems to have all of the features of the cordura ones the local farrier's supply sells at half the cost. Mine has plastic quick release buckles, but I'm guessing they could make it however you want. If you liked the homemade one, this might be something to look at... I picked it over the others available because I DON'T use it a lot, and it was soft and comfortable from the first wearing.
I like those - do they also have an elastic waist band?

[HDFarm]

I can't recommend Buddy Aprons (http://www.horseshoes.com/supplies/alphabet/buddyaprons/homepage.htm) enough. He custom makes my husbands chaps and can customize others anyway you like. Russell lives only about 30 minutes away and he's a farrier himself that does fantastic leather work. Give him a call and let him know what you'd like. If it's not already made, I know he could help you out. Good luck!

[Lauren!]

I like those - do they also have an elastic waist band?

Mine don't, but I'd imagine he could make some like that as long as he could find suitable elastic (like suspender elastic?)

[BornToRide]

Yeah, the one I have has a two inch elastic waist band. I really like that :yes:

[LarkspurCO]

I'd say go for the assless chaps.:D

[JHUshoer20]

Peterbylt form fitter, have never used anything but all leather.
George

[farriergodmother]

I like the Myron McLane chaps I have. They're a small and do quite well. I do seem to fiddle with them the first 10 minutes I have them on. One complaint is the leather is on the lightweight side. I have stuck myself a few times. The waistband has little elastic inserts in it and I think they are more forgiving with the fit they way. The other complaint being many animals in that 2 to 4 year range spend a great deal of time un-velcroing my chaps.