02/21/07

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Mounted Norman warriors of this period were usually "Knights" or warriors in the upper echelon of social status of the time.  Typical kit for a mounted warrior would include:

Maille Shirt likely with integrated, perhaps separate coif

Conical or Spangenhelm

Kite/Teardrop shaped shield

Spear and sword 

Saddles are typically illustrated with very high flat cantle and pommel.  Bridles look similar to modern bridles with the inclusion of a nose band.  Bits, in at least one source, are illustrated in a unusual zig-zag configuration.  Breaststraps for the saddle are common.

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Equipment at this time is much like the equipment 120 years earlier.  Elements include:

Maille Shirt usually with integrated coif.  Some illustrations may indicated the use of scale armor.  Partial mail chausses sometimes seen.

Conical or Spangenhelm frequently seen.

Shield looks more like an elongated "heater" shield

Spear/Lance and sword 

Cantles and pommels on the saddle have become lower and more rounded.  Bridles tend not to have the nose band at this time.  Bits have long shanks that sweep forward towards the front of the horse.  Breaststraps are common as well as the use of multiple girths.

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By this time the equipment has changed a great deal.  More variations are seen among mounted warriors as Squires, Sergeants and men at arms are most likely illustrated.

Maille Shirt usually with integrated coif.  Long sleeves may or may not have integrated mittens.  Heavy linen aketons are also seen as armor.

Use of maille chausses is seen more frequently.

Conical, Spangenhelm, or Pothelm with a simple faceplate (early) and full "barrel" type helm seen (later). 

Shield now looks like the common heater type shield frequently seen.

Lance and sword 

Pommel and Cantle of saddles have now taken on a rounded appearance and are constructed to help seat and fix the rider in the saddle.  Bridle usually has no nose band.  Shanks of the bit extend 90 degrees to the purchase of the bit.  Use of multiple girths is seen as well as the use of surcingles.  Breaststraps are seen almost without exception.