It is not always easy to choose a bit based on your horse, your riding style, and your discipline... Today, there are different materials available to best adapt a bit to your horse's mouth.
What are these materials and what are their benefits?
Stainless Steel:
Stainless steel is the most common material on the market, known for its strength and durability, as it does not oxidize. Bits made of stainless steel are generally less expensive than those made from other materials.
German Silver:
This material facilitates the horse's relaxation. Indeed, it is a warm material that provides good thermal conductivity in the horse's mouth.
Blue Steel and Sweet Iron:
Blue steel and sweet iron bits oxidize upon contact with air and moisture. A fine layer of rust appears, which has a sweet taste, naturally stimulating the production of saliva. By salivating more, the horse makes more contact with its bit. The oxidation process will change the color to gray/brown
Rubber:
Very easily tolerated by a horse with a sensitive mouth because it provides a lot of comfort, it is, however, more fragile than other materials.
Copper:
Copper is used to relax the horse's mouth by stimulating salivation. However, it is a more fragile material and is often combined with other materials for durability.
Cyprium:
Cyprium is composed of copper, steel, and aluminum. It has the same advantages as copper but is more durable.
Leather:
Leather is very well tolerated by horses with a sensitive mouth. It encourages chewing and remains at ambient temperature.
Resin:
It is a soft and pleasant material for horses but remains harder than rubber.