Either
but I would choose leather!
If you are just beginning riding then I would go with the suede because they are a little bit cheaper, but if you are a more advanced hunter/jumper then you should definitely invest in the leather ones!
I would be very careful about putting suede half chaps in the dryer. Suede is leather and extreme heat is very drying. If you do I would suggest putting them on the shoe rack so that they are not bouncing around in the dryer and putting it on air dry, on a cool setting.The best way to let suede dry is to lay it in the sun on a cool day.If it's synthetic suede then read the manufacturer's directions on the care tag.
half chaps do up at the side, gaiters do up at the back. Gaiters are normally leather, Chaps are sometimes leather, sometimes other materials, such as suade. Gaiters are used to create the effect of the traditional long boots, but only if matched in colour to your jodpur boots. Chaps are normally just used for everyday riding, to protect your legs.
Chaps are worn by Western riders and are buckled around the waist. Half Chaps are worn by English riders and only go up to your knee cap.
Half chaps can be purchased from a variety of saddlery retailers like Apple Saddlery, Dover Saddlery, Equestrian Collections, Equine Now & Pro Chaps. You may also find Half chaps available on Ebay and Amazon.
To hold the rider closer and tighter to the saddle. This also prevents the rider's leg from rubbing against the stirrup leather creating blisters on the rider's leg. There are full chaps that zip from the ankle to the thigh and buckles around the waist. Half chaps zip from ankle to knee. And leggings are elastic Cotton that is worn around the lower leg under a pair of jeans.
they stop the saddle from pinching your legs!
well there should be a strap on the bottom that gos under your foot. You strap Velcro or button's should be on the inside or the back of your calf
Outside
To protect the rider's legs
No. It is a synthetic fabric, brushed microfiber Polyester. Nice look, have two ivy caps made of this material and they are machine washable. About half the price of suede caps.
No. Buy your normal size. Leather will stretch some but it stretches in width not usually in length.
The type of boot you use will depend on what level of showing and competing you plan to do. At lower levels and at most schooling shows leather or leather look alike jodhpur or paddock boots and half chaps will do just fine unless the dress code states otherwise. At larger and recognized shows tall boots are the standard. If you will be going to varying types of shows then it would be best to invest in one pair of tall boots.