Templars needed to cut a dash on the battlefield. First into battle and last out – they had to be recognisable and pushing that all important Templar brand. One way to achieve this was through the covering of their horse in a caparison.
What does a Templar caparison look like?
In Toledo, Spain, I came across a mode of a Templar in full battle dress. Let’s have a look at that horse…
The large cloth covering is called a ‘caparison’. The premium war horse was a destier while a rouncey was more of a bog standard horse.
A Templar knight would more than likely have had a horse for daily riding and another for war duty. I think I’m right in saying – will check the Rule later – that Templar knights were entitled to three horses in total. Note that bridles and all horse equipment was without any ornamentation – plain and simple only.
Other Templar battle gear:
- Cappa, which was a close fitting white robe
- Lance about 12 foot long and made of ash
- Arming sword about 38 inches long
- Full on battle sword about 48 inches long
- Chain mail hauberk that stretches down to his thighs
- Chain mail coif that goes over his head
- Metal cap like helmet over the coif that will eventually become the all-enclosed sugar-loaf shaped helmet after the mid-13th century
- Kite-shaped shield that can be slung across his back
I am fascinated by the Knights story and look forward to reading your book.
Iain – thanks for that. I’ll keep the posts coming. The book is going through the editing process at the moment and I’ll blog on developments. Contracts signed for publication in Europe and UK to follow. Tony