How to Clean Equine Bits
An important part of horsemanship and caring for your horse is to keep your tack in good condition. Horse tack is an expensive investment and you want to get the longest life out of each piece that you can. Horse bits are an especially important piece of tack because it goes into the horse’s mouth. Keeping it clean is an easy and quick chore to help get the most out of your bit and horse.
Items Needed:
- Hot water
- Bucket
- Scrubber (brush or sponge)
- Toothbrush
- White vinegar
- Salt
- Bit polish (optional)
- Remove the bit completely from bridle. You do not want to get the leather on your bridle or headgear to get wet; this can cause it to stiffen up and begin to break down the leather.
- Submerge the bit in hot water. Rinse all dirt and materials off the bit in the water.
- Scrub with sponge or brush. Remove additional dirt and stains with the scrubber.
- Use toothbrush to access small areas or grooves on the bit. Snaffle bits, roller bits and elevator bits all have moveable parts and crevices that dirt, feed and foliage can become trapped in. Use the toothbrush to access these areas
- Rinse bit thoroughly. In clean clear water rinse the bit thoroughly and determine if all dirt and stains have been removed.
- Use white vinegar and add salt if needed. If there are hard to remove stains on the bit, white vinegar works well to remove these. You might have to soak the bit for a short time to allow the vinegar to work on the stains. The salt provides additional scrubbing action.
- Rinse bit in clear, clean water. Once all stains have been removed, rinse the bit extremely well in clear water. Any residue of vinegar can cause a bad taste in the horse’s mouth.
- Polish the bit. This is optional, if you choose to polish your bit make sure to purchase a product specifically made for polishing horse bits. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
- Reattach bit to bridle and hang to dry.