Check your Bits!
Now the dark nights, colder (and wetter,) weather is upon us, we can all sometimes be in a bit of a rush to get tacked up and riding before we freeze. The follow on effect of this is that we may not allow enough time to check our tack for wear and tear or damage before and after we ride. As we all know, at this time of year especially, some horses can be rather fresh and exuberant and may be a little more chompy in the mouth and lively when ridden, so some bits can wear a little faster than usual, this is when injuries to the mouth can easily occur. The damp weather can also have an adverse affect on some bits. This is why it’s so important to take a few minutes to check your bit and bridle before and after every ride.

Plastic bits can be easily damaged by the teeth and may develop rough and sharp edges after just one ride. The mouthpiece can become quite rough and coarse if it has been rubbing between the teeth and this rough surface may cause sores when it comes into constant contact with the tongue, cheeks and corners of the lips. If the mouthpiece has been chewed, the plastic can quickly become badly damaged and sharp which in turn can have a catastrophic affect on the tongue, lips, bars and cheeks.
They can also split where the plastic mouthpiece attaches to the bit rings. Sometimes these small splits are difficult to see if it’s a little dark, and can be disastrous for both horse and rider if they snap whilst riding. Some plastic bits begin to perish and weaken over time, so regular checks are advisable. If you see any of this damage, discard the bit and replace with a new one.

Metal bits still need regular checks too as they can become worn over time with constant use. Some alloy or ‘warmer’ metals that have a high copper content may wear a lot faster than stainless steel, especially around the small joins/rings on the cannons that join the mouthpiece together in the middle. They may also wear around the bit rings as the rings are often made of harder more durable stainless steel. If the copper alloy becomes thin and weak it can easily snap under pressure, causing damage to the horses mouth…and a rider ending up on the floor.

Sweet iron is another metal bit that requires regular attention to ensure the mouthpiece has not overly rusted. Sweet iron is porous so when it comes into contact with moisture it will oxidise (rust), this is what aids salivation and bit acceptance. If this type of bit has not been used for a while and kept in a damp environment, (especially at this time of year), it may be covered in a lot of rust, rather than the usual black/grey surface. Sometimes this rust can become bumpy and rough, so when it’s used in in this condition and comes into contact with the tongue and lips it may cause sores and rubs. It’s advisable to wash with warm water, dry and keep covered if possible to prevent this from happening.

Also, don’t forget to check your bridle and reins. Damp and wet weather can damage the leather if it’s not cleaned and oiled regularly. If your leatherwork is kept in a damp environment, mould can form very quickly and weaken the strength of the leather, and breakages can easily happen. If you get caught out in the rain always dry and clean your tack afterwards to prevent it becoming dry and brittle, which will lead to it when under pressure.

It only takes a couple of minutes to check your bit and bridle before you ride, make it part of your tacking up routine to prevent any accidents or injuries.

#bitlady #equinebittingsolutions #bitfitterkent #bitspecialist

#bitfitteressesx