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The
components for Equiport bits are manufactured from castings
using the "lost wax" technique that produces a
much finer detail and finish than the traditional sand cast
steel. Where unusual parts are required they are fabricated
by hand in our workshops using high quality steel bar.
Stainless
Steel is considered to be a "Cold" metal
for the horse but this is frequently outweighed by its other
properties of strength, durability and low maintenance.
Copper
is a "warm metal that encourages salivation in many
horses. For this reason it has been incorporated into a
number of alloys used to make bits. However, it is not a
strong metal to use in isolation except in certain circumstances.
A number of Equiport bits are available with copper either
as an entire mouthpiece, as rollers or as an insert in a
stainless steel mouth. This latter option provides the positive
qualities of copper with the strength of steel on the load
bearing areas.
Figure
1 Fused Copper / Steel Joint
Copper
links can also be used to provide copper content in a bit.
The
link still has a stainless insert where it joins the mouthpiece
to provide strength on the load bearing area.
Figure
2 Copper French Link
Copper
Rollers provide a third way of incorporating the metal into
a stainless bit. These can be the large Cherry Rollers,
flat Rollers or built into a link: -
 |
 |
 |
Figure
3 Cherry Roller |
Figure
4 Flat Roller |
Figure
5 Copper Ball Link |
Iron
or Sweet Metal is another finish enjoying a resurgence
in popularity. This traditional material produces a "sweet"
taste to the horse and, before stainless steel, was a common
material in bit manufacture. However, it loses out cosmetically
as a rusty bit does not seem very appealing to the buyer.
Like copper, iron can now be inserted into a stainless bit
to produce a combination of strength and "sweetness"
for the horse.
Figure
6 Sweet Iron Insert
Vulcanite
is a hard plastic type material giving a firm but "warm"
feel. It is also normally quite thick so that the effect
is to produce a gentle bit in a firm material built over
a metal bar for strength.
Rubber
produces a similar effect to Vulcanite but has a softer
feel. It can, also, be used to make flexible bits by moulding
it over a strong steel chain rather than a solid metal bar.
Both
Vulcanite and Rubber can be produced in Mullen or Jointed
mouths or with French links to modify the nutcracker action
of the joint. The maximum size of a rubber or vulcanite
bit is currently 6 inches (15cm).
Curb
Chains
are supplied with all bits requiring them: Pelhams and Driving
Bits. Chains supplied are normally Nickel plated steel but
Stainless Steel is available on request. Single chains are
available in pony, cob and full size whilst doubles are
also available in extra long. Flat Polo chains and Brass
chains are available at extra cost.
Figure
7 Single Link Curb Chains Pony & Cob
Figure 8 Double Link Curb Chains Pony, Cob, Full and Extra
Large
Figure 9 Double Link Curb Chains Pony, Cob, Full and Extra
Large
Figure 10 Polo Curb Chain
Figure 11 Brass Curb Chain
