Bit Mouthpiece - Mouthpiece Material

Mouthpiece Material

• Stainless steel: The most popular material for bits. It is strong, easy to clean, and doesn't rust. It is considered to be a neutral metal that does not encourage or discourage salivation. However, the chrome and nickel used in most stainless steel may be drying.
• Copper: Warms up quickly, but does not last as long as stainless steel. It is supposed to encourage the horse to salivate and accept the bit. There are some people who refuse to use copper bits because they believe them to be distasteful, and that to be the reason why some horses chew them so readily. Because these bits wear out fairly quickly, they should be checked regularly to make sure they are maintaining their integrity.
• Copper alloy: by combining copper with a harder metal, the bit lasts longer. In horse equipment, the most common copper alloys are:
  • Brass alloy: The most common copper alloy used in bits is brass, created by combining copper with zinc. Two common brass alloys used in bits are Aurigan, a patented alloy of copper, zinc and silicon. Another, less expensive version, is an alloy of copper, zinc, and silicon with nickel or aluminum.
  • Nickel silver or German silver: An alloy of copper with nickel and sometimes zinc. More common on a bit shank or as a substitute for silver in decorative elements on a saddle or bridle.
• Sweet iron: actually cold-rolled carbon steel: easily rusts, which encourages salivation from the horse and acceptance of the bit. This metal is used in many Western riding disciplines, and is not as popular in English riding.
• Nickel alloy: Actually an Alloy steel, is less expensive than stainless steel, but durable. May be drying, but less so than aluminum.
• Aluminum: Considered a poor choice for a mouthpiece as it tends to dry out the mouth and may be toxic. Occasionally seen in cheap western-style bits and is generally avoided. However, can be durable if made correctly, and are inexpensive.
• Rubber: softens the action of the bit. All rubber bits are very gentle, but are easily chewed and destroyed. Bits that add rubber to an underlying metal mouthpiece last longer, but the rubber must be periodically replaced. A waterproof self-sticking latex bandaging product called Sealtex is often used to add rubber to a metal bit.
• Synthetics: Any number of tough plastics are used for bit designs, combining the softness of rubber with more durability. The best are not easily destroyed by chewing.