A Bit on Bitting:
Bit Material

Think all bits are made out of the same material? Think again! There are actually many different types of bit materials on the market in addition to traditional steel. Some unconventional materials are better for sensitive-mouthed horses, while other materials encourage salivation and bit acceptance.

In this guide, we will go through these common bit materials: stainless steel, copper and sweet iron, blue alloy, rubber, plastic, and leather.

Stainless Steel Material

The most common material for bits to be made out of is stainless steel. This material is extremely durable and will not flake or rust over time. Stainless steel can be temperature sensitive, which should be taken into consideration in extremely hot or cold environments.

Copper and Sweet Iron Material

Bits that use copper or sweet iron encourage the horse to salivate, relax their jaw, and accept the bit easier. Commonly seen in Western bits, this material naturally rusts to produce a sweet taste that the horse enjoys. Compared to traditional steel, copper bits are more heat conductive and softer, and they wear more quickly. This is why copper bits are typically mixed with another type of metal for strength or used as an inlay in stainless steel bits. Copper material can range in color from orange to bright gold.

Blue Alloy Material

Blue Alloy is another type of sweet iron. The rusting process (also known as oxidation) will change the blue surface of the bit to a brownish-orange grey color. This is natural and will produce a sweet taste that encourages the horse to soften his mouth and accept the bit.

Rubber Material

Rubber bits can be made out of different types of rubber, all with varying degrees of durability. These bits are preferred by horses with sensitive mouths that do not like the feel of metal. However, horses can chew through the rubber, which can create sharp points that rub and cause irritation in the mouth. Rubber does not conduct heat like metal does, making it more pleasant to handle in cold weather.

Plastic Material

Plastic bits are another alternative to metal bits. The plastic is soft and flexible and is typically flavored to gain the horse's acceptance. Plastic is also another good option for sensitive-mouthed horses. However, as with rubber, plastic bits can be chewed through and sharp points can form with use.

Leather Material

Leather bits are suitable for horses with especially sensitive mouths, as they are soft and malleable when immersed in saliva. These bits come in two versions: one where the bit is completely made of leather and one where leather is wrapped around a metal core. Completely leather bits have little to no core and are therefore very flexible in the horse's mouth. Leather-covered bits offer the soft feeling of leather but with a more stable core.

The idea of wrapping a bit in leather is similar to wrapping it in Sealtex, which softens the bit against the tongue, bars, and lips. Unlike rubber or plastic bits, horses can chew on leather without it becoming sharp or releasing chemicals.

We hope our guide helped clear up any confusion about bit materials. For more bit information, please see our other guides on different mouthpieces, cheekpieces, bit anatomy, bit measuring, and show-legal bits.