Horse Armour
A knight counted his horse amongst his most valued possessions. A warhorse (destrier or courser) was essential for a knight, and a status symbol because of its price. A wealthy knight would protect his horse with a horse armour or bard. The steel or iron armour was lined with padded fabric to prevent chafing.
An early 16th century armour for man and horse weighed about 62 kg (130 lb). It is a myth that knights had to be craned onto their horses. Armour was designed to be as light and flexible as possible so it might be comfortably worn for long periods. Knights mounted their horses in the normal way and could get up unaided after a fall.
Notable objects located in this gallery
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Burgundian bard
The Burgundian bard is an armour for a horse. Given as a gift by the Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian I to Henry VIII of England in 1514.
Dates from 1514 | Object number: VI.6 - VI.12
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Rowel spur
A 15th century rowel spur, probably from Bohemia.
Dates from 1470 | Object number: VI.371
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