Bit placement and materials - good to know
From the start, it is good to learn how to properly care for your new favorite product so that its lifespan and condition remain as good as possible. We will share our best tips for maintaining the condition of the bit and how to correctly place bit tags on the bridle.
WINDEREN BITS
Gel material is fairly maintenance-free and easy to use, as it withstands use well and dirt and slobber marks are easy to wipe off after washing the bit. With a gel bit, the most important thing is to ensure the bit is placed in the correct position in the horse's mouth, so that no sharp small tooth or area in the mouth unnecessarily damages the bit's surface. Regularly clean the areas around the bit rings thoroughly, for example by detaching the fixed-ring cheekpieces from the bit using the tool provided with the cheekpieces. Please note that rotating rings do not detach, so clean between them particularly carefully. We also recommend drying the bit and cheekpieces thoroughly after washing, even though the material itself does not change due to moisture.
Correct bit placement
Gel material is fairly maintenance-free and easy to use, as it withstands use well and dirt and slobber marks are easy to wipe off after washing the bit. With a gel bit, the most important thing is to ensure the bit is placed in the correct position in the horse's mouth, so that no sharp small tooth or area in the mouth unnecessarily damages the bit's surface. Regularly clean the areas around the bit rings thoroughly, for example by detaching the fixed-ring cheekpieces from the bit using the tool provided with the cheekpieces. Please note that rotating rings do not detach, so clean between them particularly carefully. We also recommend drying the bit and cheekpieces thoroughly after washing, even though the material itself does not change due to moisture.
Correct bit placement
With gel bits, it is important that the bit sits in the interdental space and does not touch the first cheek teeth (B first teeth) or the canine teeth (A). Many horses may also have wolf teeth inside the gums or visible in the interdental space, which should not be subjected to pressure. This makes the horse uncomfortable and can also cause the horse to resist the bit. The material can also break down from constant rubbing.
The bit is usually tight enough or in a good position when, upon moving the reins / taking a feel from the ground, the cheek straps do not hang loose at all, but remain normal when you take the reins and move the bit / try to take a feel on the reins. However, check your horse's mouth while adjusting the bit to see if there are any sharp surfaces that might require adjusting the height. A bit that is too loose will cause unclear aids, instability, and incorrect friction in the wrong area for the horse. A bit that is too tight can hit the first cheek teeth, get caught between them, and feel very uncomfortable for the horse.
On Winderen bits, the logo is always on the left side of the horse's mouth when viewed from the ground, with the letter W and the text WINDEREN pointing upwards (see image above).
FAGER BITS
Fager bits come in different materials, some of which react to moisture or changing conditions. Titanium bits are easier to maintain, as their surface does not change with use, but with sweet iron material, it is especially important to remember that the bit rusts faster if it is left to hang damp after washing – or if there is constant high humidity in the tack room. Rapid rusting is not dangerous and will not harm your horse, but it can shorten the bit's lifespan if maintenance is consistently neglected, or it can affect the "good qualities" of the material, i.e., the duration of the good taste the coating provides to the horse.
The best way to properly maintain a bit, regardless of material, is to learn to always dry the bits thoroughly after washing, especially at the joints and the connections of the bit rings. Before each ride, check the joints and rings to ensure they function normally and are safe to ride with. If you notice anything concerning with the bit, contact the retailer from whom you purchased the bit. Scratches on the bit and the sweet iron coating turning grey are normal for Fager bits, but if you notice anything out of the ordinary, it is always safer to confirm it if it bothers you.
Sometimes bit rings can squeak a little when used, even in new bits. Check the connections, and if everything looks normal, you can slightly lubricate the connection point with a small amount of, for example, cooking oil. This reduces friction and the sound effect that can come from dryness. However, Fager bits have very solid connections in their fixed rings, so a squeak can be due to friction.
Bit placement
Fager bits are placed in the mouth so that the measurement should be relatively snug, but the rings/cheekpieces should not press tightly against the cheeks against the teeth (especially to be observed with loose baucher, baby fulmer, and other larger rings). However, large extra allowances are not needed for the measurement otherwise, as the bits are designed to be fitted with a snug length. If you are between two sizes, it is safer to choose the larger one than the smaller. Fixed-ring bits can often be snugger than those with rotating rings. Fager also has good bit tape to protect the ring areas so they don't pinch the corners of the horse's mouth.
The bit logo should always be on the right side of the horse's mouth when viewed from the ground, with the horse logo pointing forward, and the size markings & FAGER text will then be visible when the horse lowers its head towards the ground.
Need help with bit fitting?
Remember that you don't have to manage alone in finding the right bit; we are here to help you. We also offer bit fitting visits for rider-horse combinations, during which we can test the bits together while riding and see what you should try at home for another week. If you wish to book a fitting visit, please contact us via chat or info@equiara.com, and we will see how we can help you with your challenges.
Fager bits are placed in the mouth so that the measurement should be relatively snug, but the rings/cheekpieces should not press tightly against the cheeks against the teeth (especially to be observed with loose baucher, baby fulmer, and other larger rings). However, large extra allowances are not needed for the measurement otherwise, as the bits are designed to be fitted with a snug length. If you are between two sizes, it is safer to choose the larger one than the smaller. Fixed-ring bits can often be snugger than those with rotating rings. Fager also has good bit tape to protect the ring areas so they don't pinch the corners of the horse's mouth.
The bit logo should always be on the right side of the horse's mouth when viewed from the ground, with the horse logo pointing forward, and the size markings & FAGER text will then be visible when the horse lowers its head towards the ground.
Need help with bit fitting?
Remember that you don't have to manage alone in finding the right bit; we are here to help you. We also offer bit fitting visits for rider-horse combinations, during which we can test the bits together while riding and see what you should try at home for another week. If you wish to book a fitting visit, please contact us via chat or info@equiara.com, and we will see how we can help you with your challenges.