Types of Materials Used in Horse Bit Mouthpieces
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We took a look at some common bit mouthpieces. All mouthpieces can be made in a variety of materials, and sometimes they incorporate more than one. Different materials are thought to enhance the effectiveness of the bit, although the most basic consideration for some is cost. Nickel plated bits are an example of this. Nickel plated bits look very shiny, but the coating has a tendency to bubble and eventually flake or wear off. The joints may be rough and they can fracture over time. These bits are usually the least expensive to buy, but they also have the shortest lifespan. There are horses that will have an allergic reaction to these bits, just like some people have a reaction to nickel plated jewelery.
Nickel Bit
The best alternatives to nickel plated bits are nickel combined with another metal like zinc, copper or brass. These bits tend to be pricier, and they are generally of very good quality. The taste is acceptable to most horses. Having a small collection of common bits made of these combinations is a good investment.
A metal called sweet iron, a combination of copper and iron, is used to make bits that are thought to be sweet tasting to the horse. These mouthpieces look rusty. They’re most commonly found on western bits. Don’t confuse sweet iron with an old corroded nickel plated bit. And, don’t confuse an old rusty bit with sweet iron.
Good quality bits are often made entirely of stainless steel. These bits are long wearing and the taste is not offensive to horses. They don’t look as shiny as nickel bits, as the finish is duller. This is a very common material, and if you’re looking for a decent quality bit at an affordable price, check consignment corners at tack shops for used bits made of stainless steel which doesn’t pit, flake or bubble.
Copper Bit
Another material that is commonly used for bit mouthpieces is copper. You probably won’t find a bit made entirely of copper, because it is a relatively soft metal and isn’t suited to making the rings or shanks of bits. This metal is often used combined with other metals, like stainless steel. It’s thought that copper makes the horse salivate, making its mouth more sensitive to the rein aids. A copper bit will wear faster than other bits, unless it’s combined with other metals.
Rubber Bit
Rubber mouthpieces are soft, but they may also have a distinctive smell. Vulcanized rubber is used to cover a thin, almost wire-like bar and may eventually wear through. Be aware of this when buying used rubber mouthed bits. Latex rubber is softer than vulcanite, and conforms to the bars of the mouth well. Some horses may dislike the taste, and some may find rubber mouthpieces too thick, despite many of them being regarded as ‘happy mouths’.
Plastic is used in the same way rubber is to cover a bit mouth. They may be scented to appeal to a horse. They’re longer lasting than rubber covered mouths, but do wear through. For winter use, rubber and plastic are less frosty than metal mouthpieces.
Aluminum isn’t a great material for bit mouthpieces as it has a drying effect, which is opposite to what you want when developing a sensitive mouth. Aluminum is sometimes used to make very decorative bits, because it is lighter than other metals. It’s also softer, which means it won’t wear as well as stainless or combined metals.
Bit mouthpieces come in many configurations, so you’ll see these materials used in combination, such as a stainless steel bit, with a copper roller, or threads of copper through it. It’s sometimes a puzzle to figure out which one your horse goes well in, and most horse owners find themselves with a small collection of bits. This isn’t a bad thing, and a cache of basic bits will be useful for whatever horse you’re riding. |
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