|
A
General Guide to Horse Bits and Their Care |
|
Seven Points of Bit
control |
| 1 |
The Tongue |
| 2 |
The bars located on
either side of the tongue |
| 3 |
The lips which regulate
the height and width of the bit. |
| 4 |
The curb-groove, located
behind the lower jawbones, above the lower lip. By means of a curb
chain, we obtain flexion. |
| 5 |
The poll. |
| 6 |
The nose. |
| 7 |
The roof of the mouth |
|
Choosing the Right Horse Bit |
| The bit the
rider chooses depends largely on the horse's temperament, stage of
training and the rider's own personal preference. It is always best
to remember that in nine out of ten cases, it is the gentle, soft
bit that will give the best results. Above all, a horse must be
comfortable to be in control; that is the SECRET OF THE ART OF
GOOD BITTING. |
|
Bit
Finishes |
| 1. |
STAINLESS
STEEL is the only material that is guaranteed not to peel, rust,
tarnish or lose its color. Oxidation, which can be mistaken for
rust, can occur. To prevent oxidation, clean and dry bit after each
use. Use steel wool to remove any oxidation spots. |
| 2. |
NEVER-RUST
NICKEL is a pure metal like stainless steel. Never-rust nickel will
not rust but can tarnish and lose its color. It can break if the
metal freezes. |
| 3. |
NICKEL or
CHROME PLATING over iron can rust and chip. |
| 4. |
COPPER
mouthpieces create moisture and the movement of the bit seems to
make the horse's mouth more sensitive. When copper mouthpieces (not
plated) are used regularly on mares, you will notice a decrease in
the severity of heat periods but with no ill effects for breedings. |
| 5. |
SWEET IRON
mouthpieces will rust. Use a light oil to stop the rusting if
desired. Sweet iron creates less moisture than copper but seems to
create tenderness. |
| 6. |
SILVER ON
STAINLESS STEEL can oxidize and peel. Keep silver bits clean and dry
when not is use. To clean and polish silver, dip a toothbrush in a
cup of ammonia and then into another cup of baking soda and scrub.
Rinse with water and dry thoroughly. You can also use commercial
silver polish. |
|
General Horse Bit Care |
| 1. |
To remove oxidation or
rust spots, wipe bit with steel wool. |
| 2. |
Clean and wipe dry after
each use. |
| 3. |
Oil all moving parts of
bit regularly with a very light oil to prevent locking |
| 4. |
Polish all metal bits
regularly with metal polish such as MET-ALL, GLAMOUR or Sprenger Bit
Polish. |