A general guide to horse bits and bit care

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.