are rubber bits nicer?

Do you mean lighter in weight or lighter ie more gentle in use?

A simple mullen mouth rubber snaffle is gentler in use but gives a less defined instruction to the horse than a jointed snaffle.

When we're talking weight a hollow-mouth loose ring is going to be lighter than a straight bar vulcanised rubber bit (the black ones), however a happy mouth or nathe is around the same weight IIRC.
 
I really don't like the thick black rubber bits, so thick they occupy a massive space in the horse's mouth and give very little feel. The nylon ones are OK though and a bit warmer I suppose (and with a little flex)

I'm starting my youngster off in a nylon one but we will change when he is more mature
 
the watcher said:
I really don't like the thick black rubber bits, so thick they occupy a massive space in the horse's mouth and give very little feel. The nylon ones are OK though and a bit warmer I suppose (and with a little flex)
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Agree with the above. Once had a mare who had a rubber covered D ring (what we used to call a racing snaffle I think?) and used to remove the rubber constantly, presumably eating some of it, so it had to be regularly replaced! Can't think that was good for her! ( I was not in charge of decision making re bits at the time !!!)

I like hollow mouths - if their teeth are OK, does cold for a few seconds really matter?
 
I like rubber bits as in the winter my tack room isn't heated atall so the bit is impossible to warm up. Rubbers just nicer although they need replacing more but my boy doesn't chew on it so it's okay. suits me more than my horse I think. Although they are a lot softer on the mouth being rubber.
 
If I was to use a straight bar bit on my horse I would definatly use a rubber one, unlike the jointed snaffles the metal staright bars do not move or shape to the horses mouth. The rubber ones do though.

However, your aids can become mixed up with a staright bar, if you pull on one rein the other side of the bit will be affected, with a jointed the bit is independent. There is this brilliant website (a bit long winded) which has everything you need to know about bits. I will find it for you might take a while :p
 
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