Trust Equestrian bits are designed and made in the Netherlands. They are slightly curved to follow the shape of the mouth, which Trust says helps the bit lie better and spreads the pressure. Trust builds its range from a set of mouthpieces and cheeks that combine in many ways, so there is usually a version to suit a particular horse.
The material is the first choice to make.
Trust sweet iron bits have the familiar blue finish. Sweet iron develops a surface rust that tastes sweet and encourages the horse to salivate, which helps it accept the bit.
Inno Sense mouthpieces are a flexible synthetic over a stainless steel core. The synthetic is FDA approved and contains no plasticisers. Trust says Inno Sense suits any horse, but especially young horses and those with a sensitive or small mouth, ponies included. Choose Flexi Soft for a flexible mouthpiece, or Port Medium for one with a port that gives the tongue some relief.
Trust leather bits have a reinforced nylon core wrapped in hand-stitched, naturally tanned leather, which softens with saliva. Trust suggests them for horses with a sensitive mouth.
In sweet iron you will find French link, Dr Bristol, elliptical, cherry roller and Waterford mouthpieces, and the ported Segundo in a choice of port heights. Cheeks cover loose rings, eggbutts, full cheeks, hanging cheeks, Bevals, Kimblehooks and Pelhams, with a wide choice of gags, hackamore combination bits, bradoons and curbs, plus a pony range. Our guides to the French link and Dr Bristol and the Waterford bit explain how those mouthpieces differ.
Many of the metal Trust bits can go on our 30 day Bit Bank trial. Inno Sense and leather bits are sold outright.