"Straps?"

[John Hartwell]

As a non-horsey person, I need to ask what is the nature of the "straps" referred to in this letter?

"Lt Col. Rowley, was oblivious of straps, and presented an expanse of rather ill-blacked, calfskin boot that took away from his military ensemble a good deal. When a man can ride without straps, he may do so, if he chooses; but, when he possesseth not the happy faculty of keeping down his trowsers, he should make straps a part of his religion!"​

​

If I were to guess, they sound like some sort of "reverse garter" to keep the pants leg from riding up. But their mechanics elude me.

 

[turner ashby kidd]

Thinking of cloth straps that go under the foot, buttoned on either (both) sides on the pant bottom. Used I believe on Union cavalry trousers. My reproduction mounted trousers had them. They worked well to keep pants from pulling out when tucked in boots, a problem when mounting frequently.
Just my thoughts, George