Whether you are riding, driving, herding, training, or working your horse, you'll need special equipment to help you get the job done. This chapter is an attempt to list, define, and provide game statistics for most of the equipment that might come up in most adventures.
Also found within this tome are rules for and descriptions of magical items and equipment that can be used by horses.
WeaponsBarding Spikes
Studded Horseshoes
Spiked Horseshoes
Iron teeth
Barding and TrappingBarding is simply some type of armor covering the head, neck, chest, body, and possibly legs of a horse. Heavier types provide better protection at the expense of lower speed. Barding comes in most of the types found on Table: Armor. As with any nonhumanoid Large creature, a horse's armor costs four times what a human's (a humanoid Medium-size creature's) armor costs and also weighs twice as much as the armor found on Table: Armor. (If the barding is for a pony, which is Medium-size, the cost is only double, and the weight is the same.)
Barding Medium-size creature X2 X1
Large creature X4 X2
| Barding | (40 ft.) | (50 ft.) | (60 ft.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium | 30 ft. | 35 ft. | 40 ft. |
| Heavy | 30 ft.* | 35 ft.* | 40 ft.* |
*A mount wearing heavy armor moves at only triple normal rate when running instead of quadruple.
Flying mounts can't fly in medium or heavy barding.
Barded animals require special attention. Care must be taken to prevent chafing and sores caused by the armor. The armor must be removed at night and ideally should not be put on the mount except to prepare for a battle. Removing and fitting barding takes five times as long as the figures given on Table: Donning Armor. Barded animals cannot be used to carry any load other than the rider and normal saddlebags. Because of this, a mounted warrior often leads a second mount for carrying gear and supplies.
Halters and BridlesBit and bridle 2 gp 1 lb.
SaddlesAn exotic saddle is like a normal saddle of the same type except that it is designed for an unusual mount, such as a pegasus. Exotic saddles come in military, pack, and riding styles.
A military saddle braces the rider, adding a +2 circumstance bonus to Ride checks related to staying in the saddle. If a character is knocked unconscious while in a military saddle, he or she has a 75% chance to stay in the saddle (compared to 50% for a riding saddle).
A pack saddle holds gear and supplies, not a rider. A pack saddle holds as much gear as the mount can carry.
The standard riding saddle supports a rider.
Saddle, Military 20 gp 30 lb.
Saddle, Pack 5 gp 15 lb.
Saddle, Riding 10 gp 25 lb.
Exotic Saddle, Military 60 gp 40 lb.
Exotic Saddle, Pack 15 gp 20 lb.
Exotic Saddle, Riding 30 gp 30 lb.
Saddlebags 4 gp 8 lb.
Whips and Spurs Grooming Equipment Farrier Equipment Food and LodgingFeed (per day) 5 cp 10 lb. Horses, donkeys, mules, and ponies can graze to sustain themselves, but providing feed for them (such as oats) is much better because it provides a more concentrated form of energy, especially if the animal is exerting itself. Riding dogs must be fed some meat, which may cost more or less than the given amount.
Premium Feed (per day) ???
Stabling (per day) 5 sp - Includes a stable, feed, and grooming.
Carts and ChariotsCart 15 gp 200 lb. Carries 1/2 ton. A two-wheeled vehicle drawn by a single horse (or other beast of burden). It comes with a harness.
Sled 20 gp 300 lb. Carries 1 ton. This is a wagon on runners for moving through snow and over ice. In general, two horses (or other beasts of burden) draw it. It comes with the harness needed to pull it.
Wagon 35 gp 400 lb. Carries 2 tons. This is a four-wheeled, open vehicle for transporting heavy loads. In general, two horses (or other beasts of burden) draw it. It comes with the harness needed to pull it.