Your Horse (UK)

Material considerat­ions

QI have been trying to sort out a new bit for my horse, but I’m slightly overwhelme­d by all the different choices of metals and materials. How can I know which one my horse will prefer?

Eileen Michaels, Co Durham

Angela says: You’re right — navigating the market can be a bit of a minefield. There are many bits available made from various materials, from traditiona­l metal bits to rubber, plastic and leather, and there are advantages and disadvanta­ges to each.

Metal bits

Metal is the most common material used and it offers multiple variations for function and comfort to help alleviate evasion. If your horse tends to evade the contact, a heavier metal bit may help with acceptance. A metal bit has better durability than a synthetic bit; they are also easier to clean, harbour less bacteria, corrode less, and are less likely to be damaged by the teeth.

Metal bits come in many varieties of alloy… ■ Stainless steel: This is the most common metal used for bits as it is long-lasting, hardwearin­g and easy to care for. Stainless steel is mostly tasteless and can be good for fussy, over-wet mouths as it offers little stimulatio­n to salivary glands.

■ Sweet iron: This is a mixture of copper and black iron used as a coating over a stainless steel base. This is one of the few bit materials that can have an instant effect on a horse. They are designed to oxidise (rust) with use and give the horse a sweet taste that can increase salivation and acceptance of the bit. Sweet iron bits can turn a brown or orange colour if not cared for and this should be removed with a soft, damp cloth before use.

■ Copper alloy: These bits are a blend of copper and other metals that create a durable mouthpiece. They provide a practical solution for riders seeking the benefits of copper without compromisi­ng on longevity, as pure copper bits are expensive and lack durability. As the copper oxidises over time it creates a sweet taste that encourages the horse to accept the bit, promoting relaxation. This can be beneficial for horses who have been difficult to bit in the past, or those who require encouragem­ent to soften into the contact. Copper alloy bits are also classified as ‘warm metals’, as they have heat-retaining capabiliti­es that can contribute to comfort.

Synthetic materials

Non-metal (synthetic) bits come in many variations, including hard rubber, soft flexible rubber, vulcanite and plastic. They can be a good choice for horses who prefer a softer feel in their mouths, who are sensitive and responsive to light rein aids, or who are recovering from a mouth injury. If a horse becomes over-reactive to a metal bit, these can give him confidence in the contact via their softer feeling.

Be aware that these materials can become easily damaged by a horse who likes to chew on the bit. Once they have teeth marks, splits, or sharp edges they must be discarded.

Some synthetic bits can also be too thick for some mouth shapes, especially horses with a low palate and thick tongue, as they can inhibit his natural swallowing and chewing actions, so opting for a thinner mouthpiece can offer a more comfortabl­e option.

Leather

While relatively new to the UK, leather bits are widely used globally and are becoming increasing­ly popular here. With regular use leather bits gradually conform to the shape of the horse’s mouth, resulting in a personalis­ed and comfortabl­e fit. However, there are drawbacks to consider: leather bits are susceptibl­e to damage if a horse is prone to chewing or mouthing excessivel­y. They may also develop sharp edges or dry out in between uses if not properly cared for and so regular oiling and maintenanc­e are required.

A bitting checklist

Choosing the right material for your horse’s bit is paramount for his comfort and performanc­e. Each material offers different advantages, so think through these questions…

■1 Does your horse tend to chomp on the bit? If so, opting for a durable metal bit might provide the stability and resilience needed to discourage this behaviour.

■2 Does he require more salivation to maintain a soft mouth? Sweet iron bits can encourage salivation and acceptance.

■ 3 Is your horse overly sensitive to metal bits? In such cases opting for a smooth rubber bit can provide a gentler alternativ­e, reducing discomfort and promoting relaxation.

■4 Does your horse have a low palate and thick tongue? Thinner synthetic bits may not only accommodat­e these anatomical nuances, but also offer a softer feel in the mouth.

■5 Is your horse recovering from a mouth injury? Soft rubber bits can provide the comfort and confidence for rehabilita­tion.

■6 Riders who compete must review the tack rules of their chosen discipline’s governing body to ensure that the bit they choose is permitted.