If you've been looking for a bit that provides a bit of relief for a sensitive mouth, the bombers moulded mullen is definitely one to keep on your radar. Finding the right bit often feels like a never-ending cycle of trial and error, especially when you're dealing with a horse that isn't quite happy with traditional metal mouthpieces. You know the type—the ones that toss their heads, get fussy with the contact, or just generally seem "loud" in their mouths.
Bombers has built a pretty solid reputation in the equestrian world for thinking outside the box, and their moulded range is a great example of that. It's not just another plastic bit thrown onto the shelf. There's some actual thought behind how the material interacts with the horse's tongue and bars, and for a lot of riders, it's been a game-changer for establishing a steady, confident connection.
What Makes the Moulded Material Different?
When most of us think of synthetic bits, we think of those cheap, thick rubber mouthpieces that look like a chew toy. The bombers moulded mullen is a different beast entirely. It's made from a high-quality synthetic material that's actually quite slim compared to old-school rubber bits. This is a huge deal because a lot of horses don't have a ton of room in their mouths. If you try to cram a massive, chunky bit in there, they're going to be uncomfortable regardless of how "soft" the material is.
The texture of the moulded material is interesting too. It's smooth, but it doesn't feel cold like stainless steel or sweet iron. If you've ever put a freezing cold bit into a horse's mouth on a winter morning, you know they don't exactly appreciate it. This material reaches room temperature quickly and stays there, which can be really soothing for a horse that is "backwards" away from the bit or hesitant to take a lead.
Another thing to love is that it's got a bit of "give." It isn't floppy, but it isn't rigid like a solid steel bar. This slight flexibility allows it to follow the natural contours of the horse's mouth a bit better. When you pick up the reins, the message isn't a harsh "stop" or "turn"—it's more of a gentle suggestion.
The Magic of the Mullen Shape
The mullen mouth is a classic for a reason. Unlike a single-jointed bit that can have a nutcracker effect on the bars, or a double-jointed bit that might have a bit too much "play" for some horses, the mullen is a solid (or semi-solid) curve.
In the case of the bombers moulded mullen, this shape is designed to distribute pressure evenly across the tongue and the bars of the mouth. Because there are no joints, there's no risk of it pinching the tongue or hitting the roof of the mouth. For a horse with a sensitive tongue, this is often the "ah-ha" moment. They realize the bit isn't going to poke or prod them in weird places, so they finally relax their jaw and actually start to work through their back.
It's especially helpful for horses that are a bit "busy" with their mouths. If you have a horse that spends half the ride trying to play with the joints of the bit or sucking their tongue back, a stable mullen can provide the stillness they need to focus on your aids instead of the hardware in their mouth.
Which Horses Benefit the Most?
I've found that the bombers moulded mullen usually ends up in the "win" column for a few specific types of horses.
First, there are the youngsters. When you're starting a horse, you want their first experience with a bit to be as non-threatening as possible. The soft texture and stable shape make it very easy for a green horse to understand what's being asked of them without getting scared of the contact.
Then you have the "worriers." These are the sensitive souls that overreact to every little movement of your hands. Maybe they've had a rough history with a heavy-handed rider, or maybe they just have a very thin lining in their mouth. The moulded material is much more forgiving of small, accidental movements from the rider's hand. It creates a sort of buffer that can help rebuild a horse's confidence in the contact.
Finally, it's great for horses that simply hate metal. It sounds weird to some people, but some horses genuinely seem to have an aversion to the taste or feel of steel, copper, or iron. Going to a synthetic, neutral material can sometimes be the only way to get them to stop fussing.
Choosing the Right Cheekpieces
The beauty of Bombers bits is that you can usually get the mouthpiece you want on almost any cheekpiece configuration. If you're using the bombers moulded mullen for everyday flatwork, a loose ring is a popular choice. It allows for a bit more movement and helps prevent the horse from "bracing" against the bit.
However, if you have a horse that needs a bit more help with steering or is particularly wiggly, an eggbutt or even a full cheek might be the way to go. The stability of an eggbutt combined with the stability of the mullen mouthpiece creates a very "quiet" feel in the mouth. It's about as close as you can get to a "do not disturb" sign for a horse that just wants to be left alone to do their job.
For those doing a bit of jumping, you might even see this mouthpiece on a 2.5 ring or a baby pelham. It's a way to get a little bit of leverage for control without losing that soft, kind feel on the bars and tongue.
Care and Longevity
One thing to keep in mind with any synthetic bit, including the bombers moulded mullen, is that they aren't indestructible. While the material is tough, it's not as hard as metal. If your horse is a "biter"—meaning they like to grab the bit between their back teeth and chew—you're going to see some wear and tear.
It's a good habit to check the mouthpiece every time you tack up. Look for any sharp edges or deep gouges that might have been caused by teeth. If the surface is no longer smooth, it's time to replace it. Luckily, most horses that go well in these bits tend to be the ones that don't chew aggressively because they're actually comfortable for once.
Cleaning is a breeze, though. You don't need any special polish. Just a quick rinse with water after every ride to get the slobber off, and you're good to go. Because it's a moulded material, there aren't many nooks and crannies for gunk to get stuck in, which is a definite plus for those of us who hate cleaning tack.
Final Thoughts on the Moulded Mullen
At the end of the day, bit shopping is always going to be a bit of an experiment. Every horse is an individual, and what works for your friend's horse might not work for yours. But if you're dealing with sensitivity, fussiness, or a general lack of confidence in the contact, the bombers moulded mullen is one of those pieces of equipment that is truly worth a try.
It's a kind bit that doesn't sacrifice communication. It's about finding a middle ground where the rider can give clear signals and the horse can receive them without discomfort. When you get that right, everything else in your training starts to feel a whole lot easier. It might not be the flashiest bit in the tack room, but for the horse that needs it, it's nothing short of a lifesaver.