Why Bombers Leads the Conversation on Modern Bitting
In every riding discipline—whether it is an FEI dressage test, a muddy cross-country course, or a fast-paced polo chukka—clear communication between horse and rider is the ultimate competitive edge. For more than three decades, South Africa-based Bombers has focused exclusively on that dialogue, engineering bits that minimize pressure and maximize response. Their mantra, “Pressure = Resistance = Lack of Control,” underscores a simple truth: the softer the feel, the more willing the horse. The company’s portfolio of bomber horse bits has therefore become a staple in tack rooms around the globe, trusted by Olympic medalists and weekend trail riders alike.
The Design Philosophy: Pressure Equals Resistance
Traditional bits often solve control issues by increasing leverage or severity. Bombers goes the opposite direction. By distributing—or even removing—pressure on sensitive structures such as the bars, tongue, and palate, a Bomber bit invites the horse to relax, chew, and search for the contact. Less brace in the poll, fewer open mouths, and quieter heads are typical results that riders report after switching. According to Bombers’ own technical notes (Bombers), resistance drops dramatically as soon as the nervous system is no longer defending against discomfort.
Sweet Iron: The Signature Material That Turns Blue
If you have ever spotted a striking deep-blue mouthpiece on a schooling ring fence, chances are it was sweet iron. Bombers forges most of its snaffle and curb designs in this carbon-steel alloy for three practical reasons:
- Salivation: Sweet iron oxidizes in contact with saliva, producing a surface rust that tastes sweet and encourages the horse to mouth the bit.
- Visual Oxidation Gauge: The vivid blue hue gradually shifts to brownish-grey, letting you know where oxidation is active and where plaque might be collecting.
- Subtle Warmth: Unlike stainless steel, sweet iron warms quickly in the mouth, a small comfort factor on cold mornings.
Daily care is straightforward: run a scourer or damp cloth over the mouthpiece and wipe it dry. Because the oxidation layer is part of the design, there is no need to keep the metal shiny.
Material Alternatives for Sensitive Mouths
No two equine mouths are identical, and Bombers does not force a one-metal-fits-all solution. Three additional constructions round out the range:
Titanium. A favorite of eventers who want extreme lightness, titanium weighs roughly half of sweet iron yet is stronger than steel. Its naturally antibacterial surface is useful for horses prone to mouth ulcers or those who object to any metallic taste. Riders often combine a titanium horse bit with a leather cavesson for the ultimate minimalist set-up.
Bomber Blue. This nylon-composite mouthpiece targets horses that outright refuse metal. The material is non-toxic, thermally neutral (no “cold bit” reaction on winter mornings), and flexible enough to encourage a soft jaw. Below you can watch it in action.
Moulded Range. A stainless-steel cable core is injection-moulded with an FDA-approved synthetic that feels rubber-like but is UV stable and exceptionally durable. The slight give in the mouthpiece is ideal for young horses transitioning from in-hand to ridden work.
Watch the Bomber Blue in Action
Handcrafted Construction and a Lifetime Guarantee
Every Bomber bit is welded, formed, and ground by human hands. Sizes and the iconic “B” logo are stamped on the left shank or ring—simple details that discourage counterfeits. Long-term riders routinely keep one bit for multiple horses over many seasons, thanks in part to the company’s Lifetime Guarantee on stainless steel, sweet iron, and brass pieces. The guarantee covers manufacturing defects, not accident damage or misuse, so normal wear on chew marks or tooth scratches is on the rider to monitor.
Selecting the Right Bomber for Your Horse
Because the brand’s catalog is extensive—loose rings, fixed rings, curbs, gag actions, and more—start with the horse’s oral anatomy and riding goal instead of the bit shelf. Below is a simple decision framework:
- Flat, large tongue & low palate: Choose something that offers tongue relief, such as the Ported Barrell. The independent side movement helps the horse articulate without pinching.
- Fussy with head tossing: A sweet iron snaffle bit with a medium lock-up often quiets the mouth by removing nutcracker action.
- Strong but sensitive jumper: Opt for a Williams cheek with Bomber Blue mouthpiece to add lift without harsh leverage.
Many tack stores allow a trial program; 14 days of real-world schooling is more informative than any size chart.
Case Studies: From High-Performance Arenas to Back-Yard Rings
Eventing: When a three-star Irish Sport Horse gelding began rooting at fences, his rider switched from a double-jointed copper lozenge to the Bombers Elliptical Lock-Up Loose Ring. The horse immediately maintained a steadier tempo through combinations, and his dressage scores dropped by four percentage points—verified by official results on Eventing Ireland’s public database.
Dressage: A Dutch Warmblood mare scored 66% at Third Level but was consistently penalized for tongue evasion. A local trainer introduced the Titanium Happy Tongue Eggbutt. Within two shows the mare achieved a personal best of 70.1%, confirmed on USDF online records.
Riding School: In a lesson barn outside Johannesburg, 16 school horses share just seven snaffles. After a season, their fleet of synthetic Moulded Ring bits still looks new, saving the program from annual replacement costs.
Maintenance Tips That Extend the Life of Your Bomber Bit
1. After each ride, dunk the bit in clean water and wipe dry. Saliva and grass debris hasten corrosion on sweet iron if left overnight.
2. Once a week, use a non-abrasive scourer to remove any solidified residue. Harsh metal polish is unnecessary and may strip the sweet-iron oxidation layer.
3. For nylon or moulded mouthpieces, inspect for deep tooth marks. Minor surface scuffs are cosmetic; any sign of exposed cable warrants immediate retirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the blue color rub off on my horse’s mouth?
No. The blue is a heat-treat blush on sweet iron and does not transfer. As the bit oxidizes, the hue gradually darkens, which is normal.
Can I use Bombers in a double bridle?
Yes. Bombers offers both bradoon and Weymouth styles, including ported and swivel designs to fit most double setups.
How do I measure for the correct size?
Measure the well-fitted bit you own from inside ring to inside ring. Bomber sizes are metric, so 135 mm equals the common 5¼ inch.
Is the guarantee transferable?
The Lifetime Guarantee applies to the original purchaser and is void after unauthorized alterations such as bending or cutting the mouthpiece.
Conclusion: Invest in Communication, Reap the Performance
A bit is one of the smallest components of your tack but arguably the most critical for nuanced communication. With thoughtful design, material science, and hand finishing, Bombers has created a collection of tools that respect the horse’s mouth while giving riders the control they need. Whether you compete internationally or hack on weekends, choosing the correct Bomber horse bit can turn frustration into fluent partnership—and that is a win no matter your arena.