caparisons

Caparison, plural caparisons, refers to a decorative covering placed on a horse for ceremonial or display purposes. A caparison typically covers the horse’s body from the withers to the rump and may extend to the neck and head, worn over a saddle cloth and sometimes paired with a separate headpiece. The primary aim is ornamental, aligning the horse with the rider’s livery or heraldry and signaling status or pageantry.

The term derives from Old French caparison or caparaçon, meaning equipment or apparel for a horse. It appears in medieval European contexts and has continued in ceremonial use in various forms, though it is no longer common in everyday riding.

Design and construction vary, but caparisons are commonly made from rich fabrics such as velvet, silk, or damask. They may be embroidered or appliquéd with heraldic devices, trimmed with metallic thread, fringe, or tassels, and often lined for comfort and protection of the horse’s coat. The cover is typically designed to fit the horse’s shape and may be used with additional decorative elements, such as matching tack or a helmeted or plumed display in parade settings.

Historical use was prominent in medieval and early modern Europe, where caparisons adorned knights’ steeds in tournaments, royal progresses, and religious pageants. With changes in military organization and fashion, their practical use declined, but they persist in some ceremonial units, historical reenactments, and decorative equestrian art today. In modern usage, caparison can also refer to the entire set of decorative harness used to adorn a horse, not solely the fabric covering.