Armor Type:  Horse armor

Brief Description:  A flanchard (sometimes called a flank-guard) is a specific piece of medieval barding (armor designed for war-horses) that protects the horse's flank and abdomen. Functioning as the equestrian equivalent of the knight’s cuirass, flanchards shielded the horse's vulnerable sides from slashing attacks in battle and tournament settings.

Here is a breakdown of how they are constructed and used:

Material and Construction: Flanchards were typically constructed from metal plates riveted to leather, or hardened, boiled leather known as cuir-bouilli. They were designed to curve around the horse's barrel, providing solid protection while maintaining a shape that conformed to the animal's ribs.

Attachment Points: These guards were suspended from the side of the knight's saddle. They would then hang down along the horse's side and loop around either the front or the rear of the horse, and tie back onto the saddle to hold them securely in place against the flanks.

Design Variations: To maintain the rider's mobility and communication with the horse, flanchards often featured custom cut-outs or openings, which allowed the knight to effectively use their spurs.