Butte Dawson's Product Review from July 2004 issue of Horse Connection

Gold Rush Chaps

When Diane Marietta brought me my custom made chaps, I about fell out of my chair. I won’t be falling out of the saddle, however, with these exquisite hand-made beauties. Unlike my old chaps, which I’ve had for years, the buttery soft leather of these chaps fit like second skin and look absolutely beautiful. Di, as her friends call her, is a craftsman of the highest caliber. In fact, she has received training reaching the “Haute Couture” level, which is the highest level of garment work. She is accomplished enough to make the finest hunt coats but prefers to create her custom chaps.

When Di measured me for my chaps, she covered every inch of my legs and the end result is impressive. Her chaps are measured for each leg, not duplicated from one set of measurements. When I ordered my chaps, the selection of leather, buckles, and accents were endless. You can create any look you want. I declined the fringe on my chaps. I don’t need to call any more attention to myself than I already do.

Di has been making chaps since the 70’s, but they weren’t as popular then as they are now and it was hard to earn a living from making them. She rode professionally in Florida for a number of years and then moved to Colorado five years ago. She saw some riders wearing chaps and decided to get back into the business. She can make a custom pair of chaps without a lot of detail work in two “long” days, and with detail work, three “long” days. The workmanship is guaranteed for six months, and she will tweak and adjust any pair for three months, but as she said, her goal is to keep the customer happy.

Di’s attentions to detail, and her exquisite sewing skills, produce the finest chaps I have ever seen. Look for her at the Colorado Horse Park and Estes Park shows. I give the Gold Rush Chaps five jumps and the Butte Dawson seal of approval.

To order your pair of Gold Rush Chaps call 303.684.6727