Our cowhands wore boots and chaps to protect their legs from sagebrush and thistles and cactus. I’ve always wondered why they didn’t give their horses similar protection.
Via Vintage.es, some French farmers fitted their donkeys with leftover trousers to guard the legs against flies and mosquitoes and thistles. Since the donkeys were just pulling plows and carrying farmers on errands, they didn’t need to break into a full gallop. Being French, the farmers sometimes engaged in fashion. The donkeys probably didn’t appreciate the colors, but undoubtedly appreciated the affection and protection.
Polistra's Mill 