My entry for the EBSQ August 2007 'Art of War' art show (the deadline for which I missed by mere minutes, having forgotten to keep in account Eastern Standard Time) depicts an armored horse, in 3-Dimensional sculpture....

Horse ownership during the Medieval era represented a significant symbol of status, as well as a considerable investment of resources. Attempts to preserve this costly investment ultimately lead to the creation of protective armor wear for horses. Despite being considered generally against the code of chivalry to intentionally harm an opponent's steed (in favor of capturing/reclaiming it for the victor), accidents could and did occur in tournaments, as well as wounding acts of aggression in times of warfare during the heat of battle. Armor served to protect the animals from injury, but eventually also evolved to become very much an integral part of Medieval tournament ceremony and pageantry, even in times of peace.....

For my entry, I constructed a papier mache horse head, then designed corresponding papier mache 'armor' for it-- including a 'chanfron' (face plate), and a 'crinet' (neck shield). As the photo details demonstrate, the armor is a fully separate piece, able to be positioned upon and removed from the head....