You see them on courses, in Instagram stories and in professional stables. Bits shimmering in the colours of the rainbow (Rainbow) are an absolute hit of recent seasons.
Many riders, however, ask themselves: “Is it safe? Isn’t it just ordinary paint that will chip off in the horse’s mouth?”. The answer is: No, it is not paint. It is an advanced technology that combines a unique style with hypoallergenic properties.
In this article we explain how Balotade’s Rainbow bits are made and why they are a safe choice even for sensitive horses.
1. It is not paint, it is physics (PVD technology)
The biggest myth about coloured bits is the belief that they are varnished. In the case of cheap fakes this may be so, but professional Rainbow bits are created in the PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) process.
What does it involve? A stainless steel bit goes into a vacuum chamber. There, at a very high temperature, a microscopic layer of titanium is applied to its surface.
- There are no chemical solvents or toxic varnishes here.
- The colour is not “put on top” like a sticker, but permanently bonds with the base at the atomic level.
That is why a Rainbow bit does not peel. The colour may slightly wear over time in the places of greatest friction, but it will never come off in flakes.
2. A hypoallergenic shield for sensitive horses
Although the core of the bit is usually stainless steel, the layer that touches the horse’s mucous membranes is titanium.
What does this give?
- Protection against nickel: The PVD coating forms a barrier insulating the mouth from the nickel contained in steel. Thanks to this, Rainbow bits are a great alternative for horses with mild allergies and a tendency to chafing in the corners.
- Smoothness: The titanium-enhanced surface is harder and smoother than ordinary steel, which reduces the risk of mechanical irritation.
🔥 Style that is safe
Want to stand out in the dressage arena but worry about your horse’s health? Choose certified Balotade Rainbow bits – a unique colour without the risk.
3. Every bit is unique
The PVD process has one more, magical feature – it is unpredictable in the most beautiful possible way. Depending on the placement of the bit in the chamber and the flow of titanium particles, each bit colours slightly differently.
One will have more deep purple and blue, another will surprise with a touch of gold and green. By buying a Balotade Rainbow bit, you can be sure that you own a one-of-a-kind piece in the world. It is like a fingerprint – no one else in the stable will have an identical arrangement of colours.
4. Are signs of use visible?
Let us be honest – a bit works in harsh conditions (sand, teeth, metal-on-metal friction). In movable bits (e.g. egg-butt, multi-ring) silver contact points may appear over time at the places where elements join.
- This is a natural effect of physics, not a product defect.
- It is proof that the coating is safe and very thin, and not a thick layer of varnish that would block the movable elements of the bit.
Summary
Rainbow bits are proof that in horse riding, fashion can go hand in hand with safety. You do not have to choose between your horse’s health and the dream look of the equipment. Thanks to PVD technology you get the durability of steel, the properties of titanium and a look that no one will walk past indifferently.
