Bombers Bit Range

Core Mouthpiece Designs

The genius of the Bombers range is that most of their designs are available in multiple mouthpiece types, creating a comprehensive matrix:

Example: The Baucher (Lock Up)

Available in solid mullen mouth for maximum stability
Available in double-jointed for independent rein action
Available in Elliptical for tongue relief
Available in Happy Tongue for maximum tongue relief

This means you can get the function you need (poll pressure from Baucher design) combined with the mouthpiece type that suits your horse's anatomy (elliptical if they have tongue sensitivity).

Similarly, if a horse needs the anti-leaning properties of a Waterford but has tongue sensitivity, Bombers offers solutions combining both needs.

Eliptical

What it is: Oval-shaped mouthpiece that creates additional room for the tongue through its elliptical cross-section

Best for:

Horses with thick tongues
Horses showing tongue pressure sensitivity
Horses who try to get their tongue over the bit
Smaller mouths where standard thickness creates crowding

Problems it solves:

Tongue evasions (getting tongue over bit, sticking tongue out)
Resistance to contact from tongue pressure
Mouth opening or gaping
Head tossing related to tongue discomfort

How it works: The elliptical shape is thinner from top to bottom but wider side to side, creating more vertical room for the tongue while maintaining enough substance to distribute pressure across the tongue's surface area without becoming harsh.

Happy Tongue

What it is: Ported mouthpiece with a curved, raised centre section that lifts completely away from the tongue

Best for:

Horses with extreme tongue sensitivity
Horses who have suffered tongue injuries or damage
Horses who consistently evade by getting tongue over the bit
Cases where tongue pressure must be virtually eliminated

Problems it solves:

Severe tongue evasions that other bits haven't resolved
Historical tongue injuries making contact painful
Horses who shut down or become unresponsive due to tongue discomfort
Extreme resistance to any tongue pressure

How it works: The port creates a tunnel allowing the tongue to sit naturally without any pressure from the mouthpiece. Pressure transfers to the bars of the mouth instead. The curved design prevents excessive palate pressure that can occur with straight ports.

Important note: While highly effective for tongue issues, the Happy Tongue transfers all pressure to the bars, so it's not suitable for horses with bar sensitivity or those who need tongue contact for responsiveness.

Control Plate

What it is: A mouthpiece with a flat plate or disc that creates additional pressure distribution across the face

Best for:

Genuinely strong horses who pull or lean heavily
Horses used in faster work (eventing cross-country, hunting)
Horses who need more control without harsh mouthpiece action
Horses who don't respond adequately to standard snaffles

Problems it solves:

Excessive pulling or leaning on the bit
Running through the bridle in excitement or competition
Need for additional control without resorting to severe bits
Strong horses who become one-sided or unbalanced

How it works: The plate distributes pressure across a wider area of the face when the horse pulls against the contact, creating a clearer signal to soften without concentrating severe pressure in the mouth.

Important note: This is a stronger bit designed for horses with genuine strength issues. It's not appropriate for general schooling or for riders with unsteady hands. Professional fitting guidance is essential.

Moulded Mullen

What it is: A solid bar mouthpiece with no joints, specifically curved and moulded to follow the natural contours of the horse's tongue and mouth shape

Best for:

Horses with very sensitive tongues who dislike tongue pressure
Horses who over-react to jointed bits
Horses with tongue injuries or damage
Horses with lower palates where straight bars create pressure
Young horses being introduced to the bit
Horses who need extremely stable, predictable bit feel with anatomical shaping

Problems it solves:

Tongue sensitivity and evasions (getting tongue over bit, sticking tongue out)
Over-reaction to nutcracker action of jointed bits
Palate pressure from straight solid bars
Head tossing or resistance from tongue discomfort
Anxiety caused by bit movement in the mouth
Need for gentle, consistent contact during tongue injury recovery

How it works: Distributes pressure extremely evenly across the entire tongue and bars simultaneously while the curved, moulded shape follows the natural anatomy of the mouth. Unlike straight solid bars, the moulded curve reduces palate interference and pressure points by conforming to the tongue's natural position. When rein contact is taken, pressure spreads across the whole bearing surface without the nutcracker action, tongue pinching, or upward pressure that can occur with other designs.

Important note: While very gentle on the tongue and more anatomically comfortable than straight solid bars, moulded mullen mouthpieces still provide less independent rein action than jointed designs. Best suited for horses who need stability and even pressure distribution. Not suitable for situations requiring very clear, independent lateral aids.

Lock Up Snaffle

What it is: A snaffle bit with a unique locking mechanism that prevents the mouthpiece from rotating through the mouth, creating stability and reducing the horse's ability to lean or lock against one side

Best for:

Horses who lean heavily on one side of the bit
Horses who lock their jaw or become rigid
Horses who evade by rotating the bit through their mouth
Horses who need consistent stability without traditional hanging cheek design
Horses who are one-sided or unbalanced in the contact

Problems it solves:

One-sidedness and asymmetry in contact
Leaning or fixing against one side of the bit
Bit rotation causing inconsistent contact
Resistance to maintaining even, bilateral softness
Horses who manipulate standard loose ring or eggbutt bits to evade
Difficulty achieving straightness and equal contact

How it works: The locking mechanism prevents the mouthpiece from sliding or rotating through the mouth when the horse attempts to lean or pull to one side. This creates more stable, consistent contact and makes it harder for the horse to evade by manipulating the bit's position. The design maintains the communication benefits of a snaffle while adding stability that encourages the horse to seek even contact on both sides rather than fixing against one rein.

Important note: The lock up snaffle addresses evasion and one-sidedness through mechanical stability rather than increased severity. However, it requires correct fitting and educated hands to be effective. Not suitable as a shortcut for training issues or to mask rider position problems causing one-sidedness. Professional fitting ensures the locking mechanism functions correctly for your horse's specific mouth shape.

Barrel

What it is: Mouthpiece featuring cylindrical rollers or barrels that rotate freely around a central core, creating movement and texture in the mouth

Best for:

Horses who are tense or anxious in the mouth
Horses who clench or fix their jaw against the bit
Horses who need encouragement to relax and salivate
Horses who benefit from something to "play with" to stay focused
Strong horses who lean from nervous tension rather than genuine strength

Problems it solves:

Tension through the jaw and poll
Horses who lock or clench against the bit
Insufficient salivation leading to dry mouth discomfort
Anxiety manifesting as mouth tension
Mild leaning from nervousness rather than strength

How it works: The rotating barrels give the horse something to mouth and manipulate with their tongue, encouraging relaxation of the jaw, increased salivation, and mental engagement. The movement and texture provide sensory stimulation that helps anxious horses settle and focus. Copper rollers particularly encourage salivation through taste, while the movement prevents the horse from leaning steadily against a solid surface.

Important note: The barrel mouthpiece works through distraction and engagement, not severity. However, some horses find the movement irritating rather than settling. Not suitable for horses with mouth injuries, very young horses, or those who are already overly busy in the mouth. Professional fitting guidance ensures it genuinely helps rather than creating additional anxiety.

Cable

What it is: A snaffle bit with a cable-constructed mouthpiece that provides flexible "spring-back" action, reducing the nutcracker effect and pressure points found in conventional jointed snaffles

Best for:

Horses who dislike the nutcracker action of standard jointed snaffles
Horses sensitive to the pressure concentration of traditional links
Horses who need softer, more diffused contact than conventional snaffles provide
Horses who respond well to flexible, forgiving mouthpiece feel
Riders seeking a gentler alternative to standard single or double-jointed designs

Problems it solves:

Discomfort from nutcracker action squeezing the tongue
Pressure points created by conventional snaffle joints and links
Resistance or head tossing from sharp joint pressure
Horses who over-react to traditional jointed bit action
Need for softer contact while maintaining snaffle communication

How it works: The cable construction creates natural flexibility and "spring-back" action that absorbs and diffuses pressure rather than concentrating it at specific points. By eliminating the traditional link or single joint connection, the cable design removes pressure points while distributing contact more evenly across the tongue and bars. The flexible nature of the cable allows gentle give in response to rein aids, making this softer and more forgiving than conventional jointed snaffles while still providing clear communication.

Important note: Despite being called a "cable" bit, this is NOT the same as harsh twisted wire bits. The Bombers Snaffle Cable is specifically engineered to be SOFTER and more comfortable than traditional snaffles through its spring-back action and elimination of pressure-concentrating joints. Suitable for sensitive horses and everyday riding where a gentler feel is beneficial.

Waterford

What it is: A multi-link flexible mouthpiece with numerous ball-shaped links creating an extremely flexible bit that prevents the horse from leaning or fixing against it

Best for:

Horses who lean heavily on one side
Horses who lock their jaw or become rigid
Horses who fix against the bit and won't soften
Strong horses who need something they can't lean against
Horses resistant to lateral flexion and bend

Problems it solves:

One-sidedness and stiffness through the jaw
Leaning or fixing against the bit
Resistance to lateral flexion and bending
Horses who "set" their jaw and won't release
Strong pulling from locking against a solid surface
Difficulty achieving softness and suppleness

How it works: The multiple ball-shaped links make it virtually impossible for the horse to lean or fix against the bit because there's no solid surface to push against. The constant movement and flexibility of the links encourages mouthing, softening, and lateral flexion. When the horse attempts to lean, the bit simply moves and flexes, giving them nothing to brace against. This encourages the horse to seek lighter, softer contact rather than pulling or fixing. The multi-link construction also promotes salivation and keeps the mouth active and supple.

Important note: While highly effective for leaning and one-sidedness, the Waterford's extreme flexibility and movement can be overwhelming for some horses. Not suitable for young or inexperienced horses who might find it confusing, very sensitive horses who could be unsettled by the constant movement, or horses with existing mouth injuries. This is a specialized tool for specific problems, not an everyday bit for general riding. Professional fitting guidance ensures appropriate use.

Preferred Contact

What it is: A mouthpiece designed with specific shaping and balance to encourage the horse to seek and maintain consistent, comfortable contact with the bit

Best for:

Horses who are inconsistent in the contact
Horses who drop behind the bit or avoid contact
Horses who need encouragement to reach forward into the bridle
Young horses learning to accept and seek contact
Horses rebuilding confidence after previous bit discomfort

Problems it solves:

Inconsistent or unreliable contact
Horses who evade or drop behind the bit
Reluctance to reach forward and seek the bridle
Difficulty maintaining steady connection
Anxiety about bit contact from previous negative experiences
Horses who alternate between leaning and backing off

How it works: The Preferred Contact mouthpiece is specifically shaped and balanced to create a comfortable, inviting feel that encourages horses to confidently reach forward and maintain consistent contact. The design eliminates pressure points and creates even distribution that makes seeking the bit rewarding rather than uncomfortable. The shaping promotes natural tongue position and jaw relaxation, helping horses understand that contact can be comfortable and supportive rather than something to avoid or resist.

Important note: The Preferred Contact design works best when combined with correct riding and training. It encourages horses to seek contact through comfort and confidence, but cannot compensate for rider position issues, inconsistent hands, or training gaps. This is a supportive tool that facilitates correct work, not a shortcut to establishing contact. Professional fitting ensures the design functions as intended for your individual horse.

McHardy

What it is: A specialized mouthpiece featuring a unique curved design with a central lozenge that sits forward in the mouth, creating specific pressure distribution and tongue relief

Best for:

Horses who need encouragement to lift and round through the back
Horses who are heavy on the forehand
Horses who resist achieving correct head carriage
Horses requiring specific tongue positioning for comfort
Horses who need help engaging from behind

Problems it solves:

Heavy, downward pressure on the forehand
Resistance to lifting through the back and withers
Difficulty achieving correct outline and balance
Horses who lean downward into the contact
Reluctance to engage the hindquarters and lift the front end
Tongue discomfort from conventional central links

How it works: The McHardy's distinctive curved shape and forward-positioned lozenge creates a unique pressure pattern that encourages the horse to lift rather than lean down. The forward placement of the central piece affects how the horse carries the bit, promoting upward lift through the neck and back rather than downward heaviness. The specific curvature works with the tongue's natural position while the design encourages the horse to rebalance and engage from behind rather than falling onto the forehand.

Important note: The McHardy is a specialized mouthpiece designed for specific biomechanical challenges. It's not suitable for all horses and works best when the horse genuinely needs encouragement to lift and rebalance rather than having training or saddle fit issues causing forehand heaviness. This design requires professional assessment to ensure it's addressing the actual problem rather than masking underlying issues. Not recommended for young horses or as a general-purpose bit.

Ultra Comfy

What it is: A mouthpiece specifically engineered for maximum comfort, featuring a thick, smooth design with gentle curves and optimal pressure distribution for sensitive horses

Best for:

Horses with very sensitive mouths
Horses recovering from mouth injuries or dental work
Young horses being introduced to bit work
Horses who have had negative experiences with harsher bits
Older horses with thinning bars or age-related mouth sensitivity
Horses who need the gentlest possible contact

Problems it solves:

Mouth sensitivity causing resistance or anxiety
Over-reaction to standard bits from previous harsh experiences
Discomfort during recovery from mouth injuries or dental procedures
Fear or tension around bit acceptance
Age-related mouth sensitivity in veteran horses
Need for extremely gentle introduction to bit work

How it works: The Ultra Comfy combines increased thickness (which distributes pressure across a larger surface area) with carefully engineered curves that follow the mouth's natural contours. The generous diameter means pressure is spread widely rather than concentrated, making contact feel softer and less intrusive. The smooth, rounded design eliminates any sharp edges or pressure points, while the material choice and construction prioritize comfort above all other considerations. This creates the gentlest possible bit experience while still maintaining clear communication.

Important note: The Ultra Comfy is designed specifically for horses who genuinely need maximum comfort and gentleness. The thicker mouthpiece may not suit horses with small mouths or low palates where the extra bulk creates crowding. This is an excellent choice for sensitive horses, rehabilitation situations, or building confidence, but professional assessment ensures the thickness is appropriate for your horse's individual mouth anatomy.

Ported Pivot

What it is: A specialised bit featuring a ported mouthpiece (providing tongue relief) combined with a pivot or rotating action that creates slight poll pressure and enhanced lateral communication

Best for:

Horses needing both tongue relief and gentle poll pressure encouragement
Horses who carry themselves high but have tongue sensitivity
Horses requiring enhanced lateral control with tongue comfort
Horses who benefit from port design but need additional communication aids
Situations requiring refined control with maximum tongue space
Horses transitioning toward more sophisticated communication while maintaining comfort

Problems it solves:

Tongue sensitivity combined with high head carriage or resistance to lowering
Need for tongue relief in horses who also require poll pressure signals
Horses who evade by getting tongue over bit but also brace or resist softening
Balancing tongue comfort with need for enhanced communication
Horses requiring ported design but needing more than simple snaffle action
Difficulty achieving both tongue relief and refined control simultaneously

How it works: The ported mouthpiece lifts completely away from the tongue, creating the space that prevents tongue evasions and relieves tongue pressure. All pressure transfers to the bars of the mouth rather than the tongue. The pivot mechanism creates a rotating action that provides gentle poll pressure when contact is taken, encouraging the horse to lower their head and soften through the poll. The combination addresses two common issues simultaneously—tongue discomfort (solved by the port) and resistance to lowering (addressed by the poll pressure). The pivot action also enhances lateral communication, making directional aids clearer and more refined than simple ported snaffles. This creates a sophisticated bit offering comfort where needed (tongue) while providing enhanced communication where beneficial (poll and lateral aids).

Important note: The Ported Pivot combines multiple actions (tongue relief + poll pressure + enhanced lateral communication) and is more complex than simple ported or pivot bits alone. It requires educated hands and a horse sophisticated enough to understand multiple simultaneous signals. Not suitable for young horses, novice riders, or horses just learning about ported bits. The combination is powerful when correctly applied but can create confusion if introduced before the horse understands each element individually. Professional fitting ensures the port height is appropriate for your horse's palate, the pivot action suits their training level, and the combination genuinely serves their needs rather than over-complicating communication.

Bomber Blue

What it is: Bombers' foundational snaffle bit design in their signature Blue Sweet Iron material—a traditional single or double-jointed snaffle that serves as the cornerstone of the Bombers range

Best for:

General everyday riding and schooling across all disciplines
Horses who accept contact well and don't have specific problem areas
Introducing horses to the Bombers range
Riders seeking a reliable, quality everyday bit
Horses who benefit from sweet iron's salivation-encouraging properties
All-round work where no specialized problem-solving is needed

Problems it solves:

Need for a quality, dependable everyday bit
Encouraging acceptance and salivation through sweet iron oxidation
Establishing consistent, comfortable contact
Horses who are slightly tense or need encouragement to soften
Building positive associations with bit work
General work across flatwork, jumping, and hacking

How it works: The Bomber Blue provides straightforward snaffle action—direct rein contact creating pressure on the tongue, bars, and corners of the mouth. When configured as a double-jointed design (most common), the central lozenge distributes pressure evenly across the tongue without the nutcracker action of single joints, making it comfortable for most horses. The Blue Sweet Iron material oxidizes with use, creating a slightly sweet taste that encourages the horse to mouth the bit, salivate, and maintain a soft, relaxed jaw. This foundational design offers clear, simple communication without complicated additional actions, making it suitable for the vast majority of horses and riders. Available across multiple cheek styles (loose ring, eggbutt, D-ring, full cheek), the Bomber Blue can be tailored to specific needs while maintaining its straightforward, reliable character.

Important note: The Bomber Blue is an excellent starting point for most horses and often the only bit many horses ever need. However, it's a general-purpose design without specialized problem-solving features. If your horse has specific issues like tongue sensitivity requiring an Elliptical, need for poll pressure requiring a Baucher, or leaning problems requiring a Waterford, the Bomber Blue may not address these effectively. It's the foundation of the range, not the solution to every problem. Professional assessment determines whether a straightforward Bomber Blue suits your horse or whether specialized designs would serve better.

Ported Barrel

What it is: A bit combining a ported mouthpiece (providing tongue relief) with rotating barrel or roller elements that encourage relaxation and mouthing

Best for:

Horses with tongue sensitivity who are also tense or anxious in the mouth
Horses who need tongue relief but also benefit from something to play with
Horses who get tongue over bit and also clench or fix their jaw
Anxious horses requiring both tongue comfort and distraction
Horses with dry mouths needing tongue space and salivation encouragement
Situations requiring maximum tongue relief with jaw relaxation aids

Problems it solves:

Tongue sensitivity combined with jaw tension or clenching
Tongue evasions (getting tongue over bit) in horses who also fix against the bit
Anxiety manifesting as both tongue issues and jaw rigidity
Dry mouth combined with tongue pressure sensitivity
Need for tongue relief in horses who become bored or tense without sensory engagement
Balancing tongue comfort with encouragement to relax and soften

How it works: The ported section lifts completely away from the tongue, eliminating tongue pressure and preventing tongue evasions by creating space for the tongue to sit naturally. All mouthpiece pressure transfers to the bars rather than the tongue. The barrel or roller elements positioned on the port or mouthpiece arms rotate freely, giving the horse something to manipulate with their tongue and mouth. This movement encourages active mouthing, increased salivation, and mental engagement. The combination addresses two issues simultaneously—the port solves tongue discomfort while the barrels encourage relaxation and prevent the horse from fixing or clenching. Horses instinctively play with the rotating barrels, which keeps the jaw mobile and soft rather than rigid. Copper barrels particularly encourage salivation through taste as well as movement.

Important note: The Ported Barrel is a specialized combination design addressing horses with multiple issues (tongue sensitivity + tension/anxiety). It's not necessary for horses with only tongue problems (use Happy Tongue) or only tension issues (use standard Barrel). The combination is valuable when BOTH problems exist, but introduces complexity that some horses find overwhelming rather than helpful. Not suitable for horses with mouth injuries where moving parts could irritate tissue, very young horses who need simple introduction to bits, or horses who are already overly busy in the mouth. Professional fitting ensures the port height doesn't create palate pressure, the barrels are appropriately sized and positioned, and the combination genuinely helps rather than creating additional confusion.

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