This bit is used for leading, not riding, and it is very severe. Texture, materials and types of bits. The texture of the mouthpiece can be smooth, wavy, ribbed, ridged, or rough. Mouthpieces are commonly made of stainless steed, cold-rolled steel, or copper alloys. High-quality stainless steel has a bright, smooth, long wearing surface that won t rust or pit.
Stainless steel is considered a neutral in regards to salivation.
Cold-rolled steel, or sweet iron, is compressed to form a uniformly dense, yet softer, darker material than stainless steel. The metal is prone to rusting, but this is considered a plus by a lot of people that believes that the horses likes the taste. Copper alloys, which have a reddish gold hue, are used for solid mouthpieces and as strips inlaid in cold-rolled steel or stainless steel mouthpieces. Copper enhances salivation, but is a soft metal that can wear out and break from joint movement or develop sharp points if your horse chews the bit. A rubber bit may seem kind, but many horses finds them apparently offensive because they try to spit them out.