In the challenge between Antoine, GB of Burgundy, and Anthony Woodville, Lord Scales - 1473, I think, but don't quote me because I'm working from memory, with the contest not being fought until 1475 - the terms of the combat are apparently set out in some detail and explicitly prohibit spiked horse armour.

Unless we are talking about the spike on the front ofsome chamfrons, I don't think I've ever seen a reference or picture of such a thing. However, this may be my lack of knowledge.

Anybody have any data about this "Spiked" armour - either more detail on the rules prohibiting it in the joust above, or other references?

Actually, I'll have to go look up that particular encounter, as I am working from memory too. It was in 1466 or 67 (originaly arranged to have been in 1465 - War of Public Weal intervened), and part of the reason was an embassy to discuss the nitty-gritty details of the Margret of York marriage alliance to Duke Charles. To my memory (and it stuck in my mind because the text mentioned that Antoinne was nearsighted - a revelation to me) Lord Scales horse rammed the Bastard of Burgundy's horse with it's head - so that would most likely be the 'typical' chamfron spike.

I have never seen a horse armour with spikes anywhere other than the chamfron,in art or extant pieces. It would be a dreadfully bad idea, potentialy dangerous to other men in a formation where they are riding loose reins at a canter 'knee to knee' in the last part of the charge.

God knows my 'little buddie' would probably end up killing me with affection if I had one affixed to his chamfron - I don't see how they can really be safetly used in a reenactment context, but possible for 'show & tell' in a more controlled LH environment

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