Sweet Iron Bits for Horses, a Taste Many Prefer

Sweet iron horse bits come in a variety of mouthpiece styles and are made from black iron, copper, or a blue steel coating, which will oxidize giving them a sweet taste horses enjoy. When this happens, the sweet iron bits promote salivation in horses which in turn can help them relax through their jaw, head, and neck, in turn accepting the bit better and making for a more productive and enjoyable ride.

You can also choose from many different cheek piece types from loose ring, o-ring, or the popular d-ring snaffle in a sweet iron bit. If you are looking for a bit more leverage and a Western rider, then choosing a sweet iron shank or Western curb style bit would be a great option. Both English and Western riders can find sweet iron horse bits from trusted brands like Dutton, Robart Pinchless, Metalab, FES, and Myler.

If you are looking for a bit that will help your horse be more accepting of the bit and have a more relaxed jaw, then choosing a sweet iron snaffle bit may be just the right choice!

Frequently Asked Questions About Sweet Iron Bits

What are sweet iron bits?

Sweet iron bits are made from black iron, copper, or a blue steel color, and designed to oxidize with surface rust when exposed to saliva or moisture, creating a sweet taste horses seem to enjoy. This sweet taste encourages salivation which allows a horse to better accept the bit, which can result in a more relaxed jaw and poll.

How do you know if a bit is a sweet iron?

Sweet iron bits will have a black iron, copper, or blue steel metal on the mouthpiece of the bit. Some sweet iron bits may already appear to be rusty. They are designed to oxidize (rust) when used, giving them the sweet taste that is appealing to horses and creates more salivation in their mouth.

What are sweet iron bits made of?

Sweet iron bits are made from black iron, copper, or a blue steel coating, which all react with moisture causing the metal to rust on the mouthpiece, giving them a sweet taste to horses.

Do horses like sweet iron bits?

Yes, many horses like the taste of sweet iron bits and tend to accept a bit more willingly, with a more relaxed jaw due to the increased salivation caused by the iron taste.

Copper vs sweet iron bits?

The difference between a copper bit and a sweet iron bit is that sweet iron bits are made from a mild steel metal that will get surface rust, causing a sweet taste. Copper horse bits will get a patina but not rust, while still having a unique sweet taste many horses enjoy.