A cowboy's chinks are similar to chaps. Both are leather leg coverings worn by horseback riders as protection against weather, timber, brush, kicks, rope burns, and other hazards. Both chinks and chaps are buckled around the waist, and are open in the back so a rider’s seat is not covered. Chaps run the full length of the rider's legs. Chinks are similar to chaps, but are shorter, typically hitting the rider below the knee and above the ankle. They are fastened around the rider’s legs by snaps or buckles that stop above the back of the knee, allowing the chinks to move freely from that point downward. The fringe on chinks is also usually longer and more prominent than fringe found on chaps.
Papa has been busy in his workshop this week, making chinks for Toby for Christmas. Toby won't need chinks except when he comes to visit at the ranch, but he will be the "talk of the town" on the playground in NYC when he wears them. Papa has had a great time making them!
