Barding

Barding 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. Barded animals require special attention. Care is taken to prevent chafing and sores caused by the armor. Armor is removed at night and usually only put on the mount in preparation for a battle. 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 to carry gear and supplies.

In World of Warcraft, the first appearance of barding occured in quests for obtaining the Alliance Paladin charger.

• Arcanite Barding
• Blessed Arcanite Barding

These quests have since been removed from the game.

Later, during subsequent ventures into the Broken Isles, Kul Tiras and Zandalar, adventurers have been able to equip various bardings developed by Leatherworkers to allow them to gather crafting materials without having to dismount.

• Stonehide Leather Barding
• Coarse Leather Barding

In addition, a piece of mount equipment called the Comfortable Rider's Barding serves to prevent the rider from being dazed while riding their mount; this equipment does not work in Arenas or Battlegrounds.