Caparison

The caparison is the textile covering the horse in a tournament, parade or ceremony. They were adopted in the twelfth century during the Crusades to protect the horse from arrows. Effective as a means of heraldic display along with banners and surcoats, caparisons frequently bore the coat of arms of the horse's rider. In tournaments, the caparison was often decorated with more romantic motifs including love cyphers, flowers, love knots and the beloved's initials.

Our horse caparisons are made to order to each customer's taste and preference. Our most popular style is made in washable damask and fully lined in contrasting faux silk.  Most caparisons are designed to be washable or dry cleanable and generally have no machine stitching showing.  Price depends on complexity of design, custom embroidery, and other details. Fabrics, decoration, embroidery and finish work are combined to create a one-of-a kind statement.

We've been making horse trappers, barding and caparisons for our own horses for historical presentations, reenactments, parades, film and TV, skill at arms displays and horse shows for over 20 years.  We know what works for the horse, and we know what works for an audience or judge.  Our caparisons have been winners at horse shows and parades for more than 20 years, and we have been supplying caparisons to horse suppliers, historic sites and historical reenactments around the world for more than 10 years. Our designs are time and horse tested!

Standard features in all of our caparisons:

• Professional design and construction
• Washable, colour fast damask exterior (recommended- other fabrics available on request)
• Washable, colour fast faux silk lining ((recommended- other fabrics available on request)
• Hidden Velcro adjustment
• Girth ties (prevent slippage)
• Dock tie (prevents slippage)
• Iron-on repair kit

Prices start at $1,000 and custom orders are quoted free of charge. To make an enquiry for a custom horse caparison, kindly send an image of your heraldry and any specific requires to Gwen for a free price quote.

Product photo of the caparison and field banner made for English Heritage is included as an example only.  For more examples view our online album here: CAPARISONS