Bits, Bits, Bits

[Kaitlyn]

So my previous boss said that horses accept the bit better because it was copper, true?

I've also seen sweet iron, and then just plain old bits. What do you use with your horse?

[WashingtonBay]

Some horses like the taste of sweet iron, and some salivate better with copper. This is viewed as a good thing for horses who tend to be tense and dry in the mouth.

I've used both, have used chrome the most.

[vicklynn]

In the past, I never used sweet iron. I just learned to like sweet iron. Some bits I like, only come that way, but you pay a pretty penny for that name brand.
I think it really depends on the horse and owner. I dont think Ive ever seen a sweet iron grazing bit.
If anyone knows of one, could you hook me up with the link. Not that Id need it, just like to know if it exists.

[ownedby7horses]

I have bits with sweet iron, copper, and chrome. From my experience it depends on the horse to what they like better. Rodeo seems to prefer the copper bit.

[APPYT]

I seem to have tons more bits than I used to. Not sure if that's good or bad. lol Some are black mouth pieces, sweet iron or not. Some have copper, some do not. I don't think I use any that are strictly chrome/silverish in appearance.

I may have a basic solid curb/grazer with sweet iron. I'll have to get a pic to post if I remember to do it. Dunno what it's made of to be honest.

[JetLagaside]

I would have to agree it depends on the horse. I've used all the above on Jet Lag but he liked the german silver (KK) but I think it was also the shape of that bit. Lil'Bit seems to go in just about anything but I just put her back in the KK and she seemed very happy about that.

[zoel_222]

I used to use a plain old stainless steel snaffle. When I was training my gelding Willy I had a d-ring snaffle with copper rollers for him that he seemed to enjoy. I agree with what the others said. It depends on the horse. Try one and see what he likes.

[cloedoll]

So my previous boss said that horses accept the bit better because it was copper, true?

Well, every horse is different and just like people, they prefer different things.

What do you use with your horse?

Both of my horses use a JP Korsteel French Link Hunter Dee (http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?splid=0608RRT&pn=X1-010061&idu=1A1CB286M7KG&ids=384870268&bhcd2=1224436136). It's just stainless steel, nothing too exciting, but it fits them and they both respond to it well, that's all that matters to me. (:

[Arrow]

I don't know if you want this thread to grow past sweet iron and become a general sort of a thread, but....

Here's a nice, general rule:

If a bit has shanks, or even low leverage (Kimberwicke), it's a curb.

If it's a direct rein bit, it's a snaffle.

Broken mouthpiece or solid mouthpiece--that makes no difference, it's the leverage and or lack of it that makes a bit a curb or a snaffle. :D