What bits are made of.
Bits are now made of a lot more material than of 20 years ago, its made of of its durability, and whether or not it will easily oxidize when in contact with saliva. The metals are a bit like skin: some have many open pores and some don't. The pores determine how easily the bit rusts. The more porous the metal, the more likely it is to rust, and unlike old plumbing or the body of your car, rust is a good thing in horses bits.
Many bits are made from a combination of materials for example stainless steel mouth piece with a copper roller. Some horses prefer the taste of steel to other materials. Its worth trying other materials to see which one your horse likes best, but chances are his taste will change over time.
Many bits are made from a combination of materials for example stainless steel mouth piece with a copper roller. Some horses prefer the taste of steel to other materials. Its worth trying other materials to see which one your horse likes best, but chances are his taste will change over time.
Stainless Steel
This is the most popular bit material as its light and durable, but it also depends where it is manufactured. Some steel is now made in Asia where the quality is less than ideal. The best steel is made in Europe using the lost wax casting method. Quality steel does not pit and wears evenly, is a neutral taste and smell.
Copper
Copper is one of the softest metals around and is a great option for a horse because of the taste. It wears more unevenly and faster than steel, and horses like it. The sweetish taste of copper makes a horse salivate, so horses with a dry mouth benefit from a copper bit. A copper bit wont alone make a horse accept the bit it make make him like it, but bit acceptance is a training issue.
Sweet Iron
Sweet iron is not actually an iron at all, but steel. Bit making with sweet iron is different than of steel. Contrary to the lost -wax method cold rolled steel is cooled then shaped., ,rather than cast in a mold when hot. It's dense, but softer and prone to rust. Some horses like the taste as much as copper or even more. It encourages the horse to salivate. More English bits are now being made with sweet iron, as its a good bitting i material.
Aluminum
Lightest bitting material used to day and inexpensive and is not really recommended. It has a bitter taste and has a drying effect on a horses mouth.
Aluminum Bronze
Not to be confused with aluminum as its 90% copper and 10 % aluminum that is bronze in colour because of the high copper content. It has the taste of copper and the durability of aluminum.
German Silver
Contrary to the name , German Silver is an alloy of different materials. formulation being 60% copper, 20% nickel 20 % zinc. German Silver bits taste sweeter than regular stainless bits, but are not as sweet and tasty as copper. They are expensive depending on country of origin of manufacturer, but does encourage salivation in some horses. Not as shiny as stainless and tend to need more cleaning.
Aurigan
Another alloy, is 85 % copper,4 % silicon and 11% zinc, It does lack nickle as a component. It is also a good bit for horses which reacts to bits made of nickle The high copper content means it has the advantage of the coppers taste and oxidation, while being stronger than pure copper.
Rubber
Soft and flexible and neutral of a taste, one of the disadvantages is it pits and wears unevenly. Almost all rubber bits have a metal core to give stability in the mouth, sometimes its wire, sometimes a bar. Teeth can damage the bit, so inspection daily is strongly recommended. Horses with sensitive mouths tend to like bits made of rubber.
Vulcanite
Vulcanite is more durable than rubber it was invented in the 1840's, the mouthpiece tends to be very thick and soft for the horse that has enough space for one of these bits. You can purchase vulcanite covered bits such as a metal single-jointed snaffle.
Nathe
Made in Germany and is a synthetic material similar to straight plastic. Its stiff but still flexible and you don't need a metal core inside. It has a shorter lifespan than other materials. Its a thinner option for horses who like rubber bits but cannot handle the bulk.
Leather
Quite rare to find for no apparent reason are nearly impossible to find in the U.S but are still found in Europe. Has advantages for horse who dislike above materials. Need a lot of care in looking after, as saliva can erode them. They do however work with horses with sensitive mouths , they are flexible and gentle in the mouth.
Happy Mouth
They are made from plastic, and usually have an apple flavouring . Happy mouths have a distinctive ripple texture to encourage the horse to chew the bit. They are an alternative to vulcanite and thick rubber bits.
Nylon
Nylon is a high strength plastic... The nylon fabrics you see are woven from tiny threads made of nylon. Used a lot in small ponies