A caparison is a cloth covering laid over a horse or other animal for protection and decoration. In modern times, they are used mainly in parades and for historical reenactments. A similar term is horse-trapper. The word is derived from the Latin caparo, meaning a cape.
I will post some pictures but 1) am excited and 2) will shocase some of these on the long awaited and much promised Elf Chariot... but it's been a long day and thought I'd show here (as not everyone hits the MCW)
Much love (and will be back soon)
D