Horse Tack Ornament 2nd-3rd century Roman-German This small bronze element, shaped as a pelta shield, decorated the horse tack of a German-Roman rider, probably fighting in the Imperial army.The pelta was the traditional Thracian light infantry shield during Hellenistic times, and the shield of the legendary Amazons. During the Roman period it was used as an apotropaic ornament (a protection from the evil eye) and possibly a symbol of the warrior's virtues.. Horse Tack Ornament. Roman-German. 2nd-3rd century. Copper alloy. Equestrian Equipment-Horse Trappings