Warming up your horses bit

OK be honest… how many of you warm up your horses' bit in winter before use?

If you have ever had a freezer burn then you will probably be among those who already do warm their bits up, but is it really needed?

Think about having to put, and hold, a freezing cold lump of metal in your mouth without being able to get it out. If you have ever done this then you will know that it actually hurts! So once the temperature drops below freezing you really need to start warming bits before use.

We have come up with some simple ways of warming your horses bit before you put it in their mouth:

• Put it in a bucket of warm water while you get ready to tack up, although make sure it’s not too hot
• Hand warmers make excellent bit warmers, particularly the microwavable bean ones. Simply warm, drape over the bit and afterwards you have a hand warmer as well
• Keeping your tack room heated will help prevent your bits from getting too cold, although it is still worth checking before use
• The good old fashioned blow and rub. If you have no other means get to work rubbing your bit like you warm up your own hands. The downside of this is that your own hands get cold but it’s better than nothing

Still not convinced?! The next time the temperature drops below 0 degrees put a bit in your mouth and try it for yourself - We guarantee you will be converted!