I‘m going to buy a snaffle bit, and i was told to get one with a copper roller. what is it? is it uncomfortable for the horse? whats its purpose? I dont want to use anything harsh or unnecessary on my horse.
It's literally that. Instead of having two metal bars connected in the center, there is a small copper cylinder in the middle. Its thought to make the horse salivate more, which keeps their mouth wet so the bit doesn't chafe their mouth. If they're nervous and they keep their mouth closed, it could dry out and rub their mouth raw. If nothing else, they often roll it with their tongue and play with it. It's definitely not a negative.
the copper rollers i have used have a single joint but the mouthpiece is very straight and i found the edges harsh on the lips so stopped using it. i dont really like them maybe if they did curved ones that might be less severe they stop the horse from taking hold of the bit with their pre molars, is this you reason? as far as salivation, if thats the reason, i would try a kk schooling bit - they have a nice soft metal mouthpiece with a central lozenge to lessen the nutcracker action ( i have used them successfully on many horses) have a good look inside your horses mouth at its structure - the thickness of his tongue/ how low is his palette/ where are his tushes positioned/ are there wolf teeth?- i never decide on a bit until i assess these vitally important things. a friend of mine was constantly changing bits, when i looked inside her mares mouth her palette was the lowest ive seen, therefore single joint mouthpiece out of the question for me if it was mine! maybe re post reason for use and more info - glad to help!
