What makes Bombers Bits different from other bit brands?

Bombers Bits was founded by champion showjumper Nicky Bombers in South Africa with a focus on solving real problems through engineered solutions rather than simply producing variations of traditional designs. What sets Bombers apart is their systematic approach—each bit design exists to address specific fitting challenges or behavioural issues. Their signature Blue Sweet Iron coating, ergonomic mouthpiece shaping, and comprehensive range of purposeful combinations mean professional fitters can precisely match equipment to individual horses' needs rather than making compromises.

Where are Bombers Bits made?

Bombers Bits are manufactured to exacting standards using high-quality materials. The brand maintains strict quality control across their production, ensuring every bit meets their specifications for construction, finish, and performance. This consistency means professional fitters can recommend Bombers confidently, knowing the actual product will match expectations.

Are Bombers Bits suitable for all disciplines?

Yes! Bombers offers designs suitable for dressage, jumping, eventing, showing, general riding, and more. Many designs are specifically tailored to discipline requirements—DC2 models for dressage competition legality, Control Plate designs for cross-country strength, and various configurations for showing and everyday riding. The comprehensive range means there are appropriate Bombers options regardless of your discipline.

What is Blue Sweet Iron and why is it blue?

Blue Sweet Iron is Bombers' signature innovation. Traditional sweet iron bits oxidize (rust) when exposed to moisture, and this oxidation encourages horses to salivate and accept the bit. However, traditional sweet iron creates messy orange rust residue that stains everything. Bombers developed a blue coating process that provides all the acceptance-encouraging benefits of sweet iron oxidation without the mess. The blue colour is both functional (preventing rust staining) and distinctive (making Bombers bits instantly recognisable).

Will the blue coating wear off?

The blue coating is designed to wear naturally over time as the bit is used, revealing the sweet iron underneath which then oxidizes as intended. This is normal and expected—it's not a defect. As the coating wears, the sweet iron continues providing its salivation-encouraging properties. The blue coating is durable enough to last through initial use while allowing the beneficial oxidation process to occur naturally.

My Bombers bit has orange/brown marks appearing. Is this a problem?

No, this is completely normal and actually shows the bit is working as designed! As the blue coating wears through use, the sweet iron underneath is exposed and begins to oxidize, creating the orange/brown colouring. This oxidation is what encourages salivation and acceptance. It's not rust in the damaging sense—it's the beneficial chemical reaction that makes sweet iron such an effective material for bits.

Can I clean the oxidation off my Blue Sweet Iron bit?

You can wipe off excess oxidation with a damp cloth after each use, but you don't need to scrub it away completely—the oxidation layer is beneficial. Simply rinse the bit after riding, wipe it down, and allow it to dry naturally. Don't use harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that might damage the remaining blue coating or the sweet iron underneath.

How do I know which Bombers bit is right for my horse?

Professional bit fitting is essential for selecting the right Bombers design. The choice depends on multiple factors: your horse's mouth anatomy (tongue size, palate height, bar shape), current issues or behaviors, training stage, discipline requirements, and your riding goals. A qualified fitter will assess all these elements and recommend specific combinations of mouthpiece type, cheekpiece style, thickness, and material. The Bombers range is comprehensive enough that there are usually multiple appropriate options, and professional guidance ensures you select what genuinely suits your individual horse.

My horse has tongue sensitivity. Which Bombers bit should I try?

Bombers offers progressive solutions for tongue issues:

Start with the Elliptical if tongue sensitivity is moderate—the oval cross-section creates more tongue room without drastically changing the bit's feel
Progress to Happy Tongue if the Elliptical doesn't provide sufficient relief—the ported design lifts completely away from the tongue
Consider mouthpiece thickness—sometimes a thicker Elliptical in the Ultra Comfy diameter provides enough relief
Combine with appropriate cheekpiece—Elliptical or Happy Tongue can be paired with loose ring, eggbutt, Baucher, or other cheeks depending on your other requirements

Professional assessment identifies which level of tongue relief your horse actually needs and ensures the solution addresses the problem without creating new issues.

My horse is strong and pulls. Which Bombers bit will help?

"Strong" horses pull for different reasons, and the right Bombers bit depends on WHY your horse pulls:

If they lean or fix against the bit: Waterford (prevents leaning on solid surface)
If they pull from high head carriage: Baucher/Lock Up or Drop Cheek (poll pressure encourages lowering)
If they're genuinely strong in fast work: Control Plate (adds control without harsh mouthpiece)
If they pull from anxiety: Barrel/Roller (encourages relaxation) or Ultra Comfy (maximum gentleness)
If they pull from one-sidedness: Waterford or Lock Up Snaffle

However, "strong" horses often have underlying causes—pain, anxiety, training gaps, rider position issues, or ill-fitting equipment elsewhere. Professional assessment should identify the root cause rather than simply applying a stronger bit. The right Bombers design addresses the actual problem, not just the symptom.

Can I use the same Bombers bit for dressage and jumping?

Many Bombers designs work well across disciplines. For example, an Elliptical in loose ring or eggbutt suits both dressage and jumping for horses who need tongue relief. However, some horses benefit from different bits for different work:

Dressage: May need designs encouraging softness, collection, and precise communication (Baucher, DC2 designs, Preferred Contact)
Jumping/Cross-country: May need designs offering more control in exciting situations (Control Plate, Waterford for strong horses)

If your horse is very different between disciplines (soft in flatwork, strong jumping), having two appropriate Bombers bits—each optimised for that specific work—can be more effective than compromising with one "middle ground" option.

Are Bombers bits suitable for young horses?

Yes, but selection is crucial. Young horses benefit from:

Gentle mouthpieces: Ultra Comfy, standard Bomber Blue, or Moulded Mullen for maximum comfort
Stable cheekpieces: Eggbutt or D-ring for predictable, quiet feel (avoid loose rings initially for some sensitive youngsters)
Simple designs: Avoid complex actions (leverage, rollers, ports) until basic acceptance is established

Young horses don't need specialised problem-solving designs—they need comfortable, straightforward bits that encourage acceptance and confidence. Professional guidance ensures young horses start in appropriate equipment that builds positive associations rather than creating issues requiring correction later.

How do I measure my horse for a Bombers bit?

Professional measurement is recommended, but general guidelines:

Measure the width of your horse's mouth from the corner of the lips on one side to the corner on the other
Add approximately 0.5cm (5mm) to this measurement for the bit size
The bit should sit with approximately 2-3mm showing on each side when fitted—not pulling the corners of the mouth tight, but not so loose it slides significantly

However, proper sizing also depends on mouthpiece type, cheekpiece design, and individual mouth shape. Professional fitters use specialised tools and experience to determine optimal sizing for your specific horse and chosen Bombers design.

Can the same Bombers bit fit multiple horses?

Potentially, if the horses have similar mouth sizes and the bit design suits both horses' needs. However, mouths vary significantly even between horses of similar size, and what's comfortable for one may not suit another. If you have multiple horses, professional assessment of each horse individually is recommended to ensure the bit truly fits rather than just "works okay" for both.

My horse's current bit is 125cm. What size Bombers bit do I need?

Bit sizing isn't always standardized across brands—a 125cm in one brand might fit differently than a 125cm Bombers due to design differences, ring size, or how measurements are taken. Don't assume your current size automatically translates directly. Professional fitting with actual measurement of your horse's mouth ensures the Bombers bit is correctly sized regardless of what size they currently wear.

Do Bombers bits require special care or maintenance?

Bombers bits require the same basic care as any quality bit:

After each use: Rinse with clean water to remove saliva and debris, wipe dry
Weekly: Clean more thoroughly with mild soap and water, check for wear
Blue Sweet Iron: Don't worry about oxidation appearing—this is normal and beneficial
Storage: Store in a dry location; slight oxidation is fine but excessive moisture isn't necessary
Inspection: Regularly check joints, links, and connections for wear; check cheekpieces for cracks or damage

Proper care extends bit life and ensures safe, comfortable function.

How long do Bombers bits last?

With proper care, Bombers bits last for years—many riders use the same bit throughout a horse's entire working career. The high-quality materials and construction mean they withstand regular use without deteriorating. However, regularly inspect for:

Excessive wear on joints or links
Thinning of the mouthpiece from contact wear
Damage to rings or cheekpieces
Sharp edges developing

Replace bits showing significant wear or damage. The sweet iron oxidation is cosmetic and beneficial—it's not a reason to replace the bit.

Can I use bit guards with Bombers loose ring bits?

Yes! Bit guards (rubber or leather discs) are recommended if your horse experiences pinching from loose ring rotation. They sit between the ring and your horse's lips, preventing the skin from being caught as the rings move. This is a simple solution that allows you to use loose ring designs (which offer excellent benefits for many horses) without the pinching issues some horses experience.

Are Bombers bits legal for dressage competition?

It depends on the specific design:

Legal: Standard snaffles including Bomber Blue, Elliptical, Happy Tongue (check port height limits), Waterford, loose ring, eggbutt, D-ring, and full cheek designs, plus DC2 models specifically designed for dressage legality
Not legal: Leverage bits (Baucher/Lock Up, drop cheeks, pelhams, kimblewicks), any bits with curb chains, and bits with certain decorative elements

Rules vary by organization (British Dressage, FEI, etc.) and level. Always check current rules for your specific organisation and competition level. The Fitted Horse can advise on competition-legal Bombers options for your discipline.

Can I use Bombers bits for showing?

Yes, many Bombers designs are suitable for showing, though requirements vary significantly by showing discipline:

Show jumping: Wide range of bits acceptable including snaffles and some leverage designs
Dressage: Snaffle restrictions as above
Working hunter: Often requires pelham or double bridle
Showing classes: Requirements vary by class type and organization

Check specific rules for your showing discipline. Bombers offers appropriate options for most showing contexts, including traditional pelhams and specialised designs.

I tried a Bombers bit and my horse hated it. Does this mean Bombers bits don't suit my horse?

Not necessarily! "Bombers bits" isn't one thing—it's a comprehensive range of very different designs. Hating one Bombers bit doesn't mean your horse won't love a different one. Consider:

Which specific design did you try? An Elliptical? Happy Tongue? Baucher?
Was it correctly sized? Wrong size creates discomfort regardless of design quality
Did the design match your horse's actual needs? For example, a Happy Tongue is wrong for a horse without tongue issues
How long did you try it? Some horses need several rides to adjust to new equipment
What specifically did your horse dislike? This reveals what to try differently

Professional fitting identifies why the first attempt didn't work and selects a genuinely appropriate alternative rather than giving up on the brand entirely.

Can a Bombers bit fix my horse's behavioural problems?

Bombers bits can solve problems caused by ill-fitting or inappropriate bits, but they cannot fix problems caused by:

Training gaps or misunderstandings
Rider position or hand issues
Pain from saddle fit, dental problems, or lameness
Fear or anxiety from previous experiences
Lack of fitness or strength for the work asked

If current equipment is genuinely causing issues (tongue evasions from tongue pressure, tension from unsuitable bit design, resistance from discomfort), the right Bombers bit resolves these. But bits are not magic fixes for non-equipment problems. Professional assessment determines whether a Bombers bit will genuinely help or whether other issues need addressing first.

Do I need a professional fitting, or can I just order a Bombers bit online?

While you can order online, professional fitting dramatically increases the likelihood of getting the right bit first time. The Bombers range is comprehensive—this is wonderful because there's almost certainly a perfect option for your horse, but it also means choosing correctly requires expertise. Professional fitting includes:

Measuring your horse's mouth accurately
Assessing tongue size, palate height, bar shape
Understanding your horse's current issues and behaviors
Observing how your horse works in current equipment
Recommending specific Bombers combinations suited to your horse's individual anatomy and needs
Trial equipment allowing you to test options before purchasing
Follow-up support ensuring the bit continues working correctly

The investment in professional fitting saves money long-term by ensuring you buy the right equipment initially rather than expensive trial-and-error purchasing.

What happens during a Bombers bit fitting consultation?

A professional Bombers fitting includes:

Discussion: Your horse's history, current equipment, issues you're experiencing, and goals
Mouth assessment: Measuring mouth width, evaluating tongue size, palate height, bar shape, and any sensitivities
Current equipment evaluation: Assessing what's not working about your current bit
Trial selection: Choosing appropriate Bombers designs to trial based on findings
Dynamic assessment: Watching your horse work in different options
Recommendation: Selecting the design providing the best combination of comfort, acceptance, and communication
Education: Explaining why the recommended bit suits your horse and how to use it correctly

The goal is finding equipment that genuinely fits and works, not just selling you a bit.

Back To Bombers Bits