If you live in the frozen North, like I do, you either: (1) go south for the winter (or north for our friends in the Southern Hemisphere), (2) don’t ride in winter, (3) embrace the beauty of a new snowfall or the glistening of ice on trees, and ride out in almost any weather, or (4) grin and bear it and ride anyway because you just can’t stand not to.
I am in Camp #3 (and occasionally #4), so I want to make things as comfortable as possible for my horse. The bit, being a big chunk of metal, can get really cold hanging by the cross-ties while I tack up. I’ve made a simple bit warmer with scrap fabric and some rice. I found a pattern online from a site that I can’t remember (apologies to the originator) and modified it a little.
It’s easiest to make if you have a sewing machine, but you could also sew it by hand. Just be sure to make small, tight stitches so rice kernels don’t sneak out.
I use woven cotton fabric and regular thread. You could use fleece, but I don’t recommend knitted fabrics (think t-shirt type fabric) because it could be too stretchy. This warmer should fit most horse-sized bits. If you want to modify the warmer to fit a larger or smaller bit, change the long measurement of the fabric (the 13″ measurement).
In case you don’t sew much, the term “right side” of the fabric refers to the side that will ultimately be on the outside of the piece – the side that shows.
Step 1: Cut two pieces of cloth 9 x 13” and trim a slight angle on the long sides (not quite as drastic as shown in the blue image here).
Step 2: Place the right sides together and sew on 3 sides (both long sides and the wider end). Then turn right side out and iron.
Step 3 (optional but recommended): Cut a piece of batting or fleece (for insulation), 5½” x 6½”. Insert this into wide bottom section of fabric.
Step 4: Tuck in top (narrow edge) and sew.
Step 5: Cut a 5” piece of Velcro and stitch along narrow sides as shown. “Hook” and “loop” refer to the 2 sides of the Velcro, one scratchy and one soft.
Step 6 (optional; include if you plan to hang the warmer): Cut a strip of cloth 2” x 10”. Fold over 3/8″ of each end, then fold the long way as shown – fold each side over to the middle, then fold the whole thing in half the long way. Iron, and stitch closed. This will create a strip ½” x 9” that can be used as a tab for hanging the warmer.
Step 7: Fold fabric in half and stitch sides as shown, with Velcro facing out and fabric tab tucked into bottom.
Step 8: Stitch a line down middle as shown.
Step 9: Add ¾ cup rice to each pocket, 2/3 full, then stitch the top openings.
Your bit warmer should look like this.
To use:
- Heat the warmer in a microwave for about 45-60 seconds. Add more time until it is nice and warm, but do no overheat or it will cook the rice!
- Wrap the warmer around the bit, securing with the Velcro, for at least 5 minutes. Keep on the bit until you are ready to bridle up.
- Store the warmer in a container or location where mice can’t get at it.
Happy trails!
Monica
