Italian, Milan
Half-Shaffron
c. 1570­80
Etched and gilded steel; iron; brass; leather
ht.: 54 cm.
George F. Harding Collection, 1982.2102q

Italian, Milan
Saddle plates
c. 1570­80
Etched and gilded steel; iron; brass
top: 21.6 x 47.5 cm.; bottom: 42.8 x 61 cm
George F. Harding Collection, 1982.2102r­s

Beginning in medieval times, both knights and their horses were protected in battle by face masks. This sixteenth-century tournament armor was made for a horse.  What are some animals that have natural armor? What else might a knight’s horse wear for protection?