Horse Tack and Harness (AEG)

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The bit is the general name for the two principle kinds of equestrian mouthpieces used to control a horse's movement. Each of the two bit types are described below.
Snaffle: This bit is composed of a steel rod or bar with two rings at either end. The reins are fastened to these rings. The snaffle is a gentler bit than the curb designs, and is usually used for riding horses as opposed to war or work horses. The snaffle bit tends to give less control over a spirited mount.
Curb: This bit has a plate that is inserted in the mouth of the beast. Short vertical bars are attached to either side of the plate. Each bar has a ring at the top and bottom of the bar. The reins are attached to the two bottom rings, while the two upper rings are connected by a stout strap or chain passing under the jaw of the horse. This allows great physical force to be brought upon the animal, allowing great control over the movement and speed of the horse. The curb bit is much more severe than the snaffle bit and is often used with war horses.
==Bridle==
A simple bridle is nothing more than a heavy ring of rope or leather hitched around the mount's lower jaw and used to guide or lead the animal.
There are three basic parts of a bridle: the bit, the headstall, and the reins. The bit was discussed previously. The headstall is the set of straps and cords that secures the bit to the horse's jaw. The reins are the straps that run from the bit around the horse's neck that enable the rider to steer the animal.
Bridoon: This is complex bridle with a snaffle bit and wide reins. A bridoon is much more difficult to snare or cut than a normal bridle. It is also more expensive than the standard bridle (150% of bridle cost).
Cavesson: A type of bridle used to train and break horses. The cavesson looks much like other bridles except for two extra rings at the base of the bit, where lead ropes can be attached to be held by a trainer or tied to a pole. The horse can then be led easily and slowly broken and trained. The cost is comparable to that of a standard bridle.
==Spur==
A spur is little more than a small metal attachment to the heel of a boot or shoe. The spur has one to six sharp projections that can be used to jab the horse in the sides, causing the animal to move at a quicker gait.
==Stirrup==
A stirrup is a leather strap ending in either a conical shielded foot rest or an iron ring.
A stirrup is attached on each side of the saddle by a hook and several ties.
The stirrup has many uses. Its primary function is to expedite the mounting of the beast. The stirrup also helps the rider control the mount and stay on if struck by a forceful blow; stirrups are essential in a jousting match.
Stirrups steady the mounted warrior, allowing greater force to be put behind blows with less chance of falling off the mount. They allow mounted warriors with lances to charge effectively with a leveled lance, a feat nearly impossible without them.
Optional rule: Mounted fighters without stirrups who are struck in combat must make a save vs. paralyzation or fall from the horse.
==Bridle Cutter==
A bridle cutter is a sharp, hooked instrument used in battle to cut the reins of an enemy and essentially strip him of his ability to control his mount. These tools look like short, bladed axes with several wicked, angled cuts. Bridle cutters are sometimes used by front line troops who face cavalry. Many bridle cutters find their way into kobold, orc, or goblin brigades and are used as melee weapons rather than to cut reins. A bridle cutter inflicts 1-4 points of damage to small- and medium-sized creatures and 1-3 points of damage to large creatures. Refer to Table 1 on page 50 for other weapon statistics.
The light warhorse category includes ponies and riding horses (the latter reflects custom and use rather than the ability of the horse to carry actual weight).
Limits: A horse can wear half barding one class heavier than its maximum full barding. Flying creatures are limited to leather and padded barding only.