A bit about bits from our friends at Weatherbeeta

A bit about bits from our friends at Weatherbeeta

Michelle Drum

It's time for another tack check! This month we've decided to do bits. 

When was the last time you REALLY looked at your horses bit? 
We are offering 10% off ALL bits now through Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015 as an incentive to 
check your bits that show damage or chew marks. Simply use promo code bits915. 

Plastic and rubber bits should be checked regularly for wear, paying special attention to the plastic / rubber seams from the mold that created the bit. If any rough or sharp edges are noted, the bit should be replaced.

Bits made from nickel should be checked often for flaking, as nickel bits age the metal begins to flake off creating rough edges that can hurt or damage your horses mouth.  Most bits today are made of stainless steel, however some older vintage bits made of nickel can still be found.

Steel bits should be checked at the hinges and the joints.  The hinge should meet flush with the cheek of the bit and there should be no gaps or unevenness as the hinge moves. Any open areas can pinch the horses lip or skin causing an unhappy team mate. Joints of the bit should be clear and free of debris. The mouth piece itself as well as the joint should be smooth and free from pits and sharp edges.  A horsemen once told me that using a  bit with grass and debris stuck on it from your last ride is similar to riding with barbed wire. This made quite and impact on me and I always rinse my bits before I put my bridle up. 

Sweet Iron & Copper are popular mouth pieces often used to keep a horses attention and help them salivate if they tend to be dry mouthed. Both bits should maintain color through out the lifetime of the bit. If the mouth piece should become green or discolored it likely needs to be replaced. 

We are always happy to help you with your tack checks! Simply bring us your bit and we are happy to look it over and make sure your horses bit is in good working order.

Click the here to open a full size version.

Back to blog

Leave a comment

Please note, comments need to be approved before they are published.