When you cast a polymorph spell that changes you into a creature of the animal, dragon, elemental, magical beast, plant, or vermin type, all of your gear melds into your body. (with the exception of armor and shield bonuses, which cease to function). If your new form does not cause your equipment to meld into your form, the equipment resizes to match your new size.
I stand corrected on the melding thing.
theres a ruling that a wild parriot cant speak, which is what you turn into too. a wild horse will fight you on putting on a saddle. go try putting barding on a bear i bet it attacks.
Ruyan shapeshifts into a valiant wild Horse. "chop chop" he motions the square to place his barding. finally dooning his head spike (unicorn envy). he rears back with a mighty horse noise and charges off to battle. your right animal should wear armor, it doesnt look silly at all. you could wear a saddle so some dude can ride you back to town. reminds me of my prison days.
and no i dont see people putting armor on these dragon, elemental, magical beast, plant, or vermin type and if they do that stupid/retarded.