Bits can be made of a variety of materials, the most common is stainless
steel, but they can also be made of iron, copper, nylon, vulcanite, rubber,
leather, bone or wood. (The last 3 not so much these days) Nickel was also used,
but it wears thin and can break easily, as well as having sharp edges, and
therefore is not safe for use in bit manufacture. The nylon bits (known as
"nathe" bits) can also come impregnated with an apple or mint taste, known as
"happymouth" bits.
Bits fall into 3 main categories:
curbs
snaffles
bitless bridles
Common bits in the 1st category include the pelham, kimblewick, liverpool,
universal reversible, gags and the weymouth bit of the double bridle.
Common bits in the 2nd category include the eggbut, fulmer, waterford, french
link, Dr. Bristol, straight bar, cherry roller, twisted, magenis, y-mouth,
wilson/scorrier etc... available in fixed ring or loose ring.
There are three main forms of bitless bridle the English hackamore, the
German or mechanical hackamore, and the Spanish Bosal. To a certain degree, the
Kineton noseband also fits into this category, as it transfers some of the
pressure from the bit to the nose.
