Richer Boyars of Novgorod who could afford heavier armour for themselves and their horses.
Novgorod was situated between the east and west and was influenced by both. Hence, the cavalry in north-west Russia was more heavily armoured than in other parts, reminiscent of the heavy cavalry traditions of western Europe. However, only the richest Boyars could afford the heavy lamellar armour for himself as well as the armour for his horse.