In the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome, fibulae (or brooches) were originally used for fastening garments. They came in a variety of shapes, but all were based on the safety pin principle. Roman conquests spread the use of the fibula, which became the basis for more complicated brooches. Horses with or without riders were a common mammal brooch. Non-enamelled horse brooches were a native British production. Although they are fewer in number compared to the horse and rider, the mammal is still, for the majority, shown in action. Whether that be galloping or grazing.
To find out more about different metal decorative techniques, including gilding, please see our relevant blog post: Decorative Metalwork Techniques