Heavy Barding (AEG)

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==Banded Barding (AC 3)==
This is similar to chain barding, but is reinforced with horizontal strips of metal.
Officers and riders wealthy enough to afford this type of barding are usually the only persons who use it. Only the large war horses can bear its weight. It remains a hybrid form, and the frequency of its appearence depends on the technological level of the campaign. Such armor weighs 85 pounds.
Half Banded: This is banded barding covering the front of the horse. It weighs 60 pounds.
==Splint Barding (AC 3)==
Splint barding is similar to banded barding. The main difference is that the strips of metal are vertical instead of horizontal. The weight and protective value are the same at 85 pounds and AC 3.
Half Splint: This covers only the front half of the horse. Its weight is 60 pounds.
==Plate Barding (AC 2)==
This type of barding corresponds to plate mail, and is the standard protection for a fully armored war horse. Only heavy war horses can bear the weight of this armor and still fight effectively.
This barding includes the chanfron that covers the head, the cuello that guards the neck and mane, the poitrel that covers the forward chest and quarters, the flanchards that protect the side quarters and flanks, and the crupper that defends the rear.
This barding is made of chain mail and small steel plates linked together and hinged with articulated joints. Over this metal and chain rests a thick padded or quilted cloth equipped with metal studs. The complete set weighs about 85 pounds. This is extremely fatiguing to the mount, and usually such armor is put on the horse only when battle is imminent.
Plate barding is used almost exclusively by human heavy cavalry. Elf lords may also have plate armor for their mounts.
Only in very rare instances will an orc, goblin, hobgoblin, or other humanoid have access to such armor. In such cases, usually only the commander or chieftain of the tribe owns such barding, and then only if allied to a ruler or wizard with the ability to construct such armor.
Half plate: This gives the horse plate barding protection to its front. It weighs 65 pounds.
==Field Plate Barding (AC 1)==
Field plate barding is the heaviest barding normally used in battle. It is rare even in late period campaigns, and should be restricted to nobles, high officers, and unusual individuals. The construction of field plate barding requires a master armorer. The barding must be constructed and fitted to a particular horse. Field plate barding weighs 90 pounds.
Half Field Plate: This gives the equivalent of field plate protection to the front of the horse only. This configuration is never encountered, except perhaps as ceremonial armor. It weighs 70 pounds.
==Full Plate Barding (AC 0)==
Full plate barding, like full plate armor, is the highest achievement of the best armorers. It is available only in late period campaigns and will be very rare at the best of times; only the most advanced and richest kingdoms can master the techniques of its construction. The services of a master armorer are required. Full plate barding weighs 90 pounds.
Half Full Plate: This gives the equivalent of full plate protection to the front of the horse only. Again, this barding, if encountered, is almost certain to be ceremonial armor. It weighs 70 pounds.