Barding

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武经总要五 22

Taq-e Bostan - equestrian statue

Barding refers to the practice of armoring horses used in warfare, tournaments, and other forms of combat or ceremonial events. This historical method of protection was designed to safeguard these valuable animals from injury or death on the battlefield. Barding involved covering the horse in various types of armor that could include metal plates, chainmail, leather, and padded cloth. The development and use of horse armor paralleled the evolution of armor for human combatants, reflecting changes in military technology, tactics, and the socio-political context of warfare.

History

The use of barding dates back to ancient civilizations, with evidence of horse armor found in the archaeological record of cultures such as the Ancient Greeks, Persians, and later, the Romans. However, it was during the Middle Ages that barding reached its zenith, particularly in Europe and the Islamic world, where the heavy cavalry known as knights or Mamluks played a pivotal role in warfare.

In the Middle Ages, the design of horse armor became increasingly sophisticated, with the introduction of full-body protection that included the crinet (neck armor), peytral (chest armor), flanchard (side armor), and crupper (hindquarters armor). These components were often elaborately decorated to signify the status and wealth of the horse's owner.

Types of Barding

Barding varied significantly in material, design, and coverage, depending on the period, region, and the owner's wealth. The main types of barding included:

- Chainmail Barding: Made of interlocking metal rings, chainmail provided flexibility and reasonable protection against slashing weapons. - Plate Barding: Comprising shaped metal plates, this type offered the highest level of protection against piercing and blunt force attacks. - Leather Barding: Less expensive and lighter than metal armor, leather barding offered basic protection and was more accessible to lower-ranking soldiers. - Cloth Barding: Often used in ceremonial contexts, cloth barding was decorative and provided minimal protection.

Function and Impact

The primary function of barding was to protect the horse from weapons such as swords, arrows, and lances. By ensuring the safety of the horse, barding also protected the rider, as a mounted warrior was significantly more effective and had a higher survival rate than one on foot.

However, the use of barding had its drawbacks. The added weight could exhaust the horse more quickly, reducing its speed and maneuverability. The cost of producing and maintaining horse armor was also prohibitive, limiting its use to the wealthiest of warriors.

Decline

The decline of barding began in the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, coinciding with the advent of gunpowder weapons. As firearms became more prevalent on the battlefield, the effectiveness of traditional armor, including barding, diminished. The increased firepower rendered heavy cavalry less dominant, leading to changes in military tactics and the eventual obsolescence of horse armor.

Legacy

Today, barding is primarily seen in historical reenactments, parades, and museums. It remains a subject of interest for historians and enthusiasts of military history, symbolizing the chivalric ideals and martial prowess of the mounted warrior.