Abstract: A riding or travelling bit for horses comprising at least one rigid or articulated bit rod (2) made at least partially of metal. The inventive bit is characterized in that the bit rod has at least two different metal parts (4,6) thus creating a difference in electrical potential. This difference in electric potential creates a sour taste for the horse, encouraging it to chew and making it receptive to assistance from the reins. In one embodiment, one member (4) of the two-membered bit rod (2) is made of one type of metal and the other member is made of another type of metal. Both members are coupled together in a known manner by means of self-engaging eyelets (8, 10) in a chain-like fashion. However, at least one of the eyelets is lined (12) with electrically insulating material. In another embodiment, both metal surfaces are electrically connected to various poles of at least one commercial electric battery cell (94) which is accommodated in a tubular receptacle (92) forming one part of the bit rod (90).