Western Chaps and Their History

In order to fully understand all the terminology and styles the western Chap represents, you must first study the history behind them. There are names for the cut and style of chaps according to the usage and the time period you are talking about. The first type of Chaperajos were the Armas. Chaperajos (leg of armor or later meant to be leather britches) were invented by the Spanish who settled Mexico. You must picture two large slabs of leather much like a flat pair of batwings tied to the saddle. These wings were draped across the legs while riding through tough brush, but when not in use were laid under the riders legs. These were made from heavy buffalo hide or thick cowhide. The Mexicans cowboy’s called vaqueros wore the first leather breaches called Armitas in the early 1800’s. These leggings were made from wild animal hides, calfskin, deer, lion and goat. They were attached to a belt at the waist and wrapped around the riders legs with leather bindings. These were typically... Read more »

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Western Chaps and Their History

In order to fully understand all the terminology and styles the western Chap represents, you must first study the history behind them. There are names for the cut and style of chaps according to the usage... 

July 23, 2008 | Read the story »

Taking Care of Your Horses Hooves

Your horses hooves are extremely important in the way of caring for your horses health. It is best to have them trimmed and shod every six to eight weeks. Usually, the ferrier puts you on his schedule... 

July 23, 2008 | Read the story »

Basic Horse Knowlege

Because we always see pictures of horses just grazing out in the field we assume horses live there alone with little or no attention from humans. Because of their size and strength, horses can be sometimes... 

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Instincts and Traits in Dogs

Domestication of canines was accomplished by humans thousands of years ago. Many think that the world’s first dogs were tamed wolves, as dogs share many biological traits with wolves. First of all... 

July 23, 2008 | Read the story »

How to Teach a Dog to Stop Barking

Hearing a dog happily barking as it chases after a ball in the woods can be a wonderful sound, but if the neighbors are complaining and you and your family are suffering from having a dog that barks constantly... 

July 23, 2008 | Read the story »

8 Tips For Traveling With Your Dog

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July 23, 2008 | Read the story »

5 Simple Ways to Successfully Train Your Puppy. Your Three-Month-Old Puppy is Ready For Training

In the past, dogs under 6 months old were not put into training classes. There were even trainers who believed that a puppy who was 12 months old was just the right age to begin training. Today’s... 

July 23, 2008 | Read the story »

So Why Do Dogs Chew Things? Here is How to Keep Your Dog From Chewing Up the House

It is normal for a dog to chew. However, it is unacceptable to allow your dog to chew shoes, stuffed animals, furniture, or remote controls. I once heard of a dog who chewed an escape hole right through... 

July 23, 2008 | Read the story »

An Education on the Horse Bit

The “Bit” is a vital piece of equipment in the equine industry. The rider depends on the bit to keep control over his horse in whatever his job is, be it real cowboy work or in the show ring.... 

July 22, 2008 | Read the story »

Horse Spurs and Its History

It is thought that the earliest spurs were probably made from bone or wood. Spurs have been used by horsemen and cowboys throughout the ages. In its earliest days the spur and the metal it was made with... 

July 22, 2008 | Read the story »