Horse mouth care products and horse lubricants

Oral lubricant is not essential, but it is useful for horses that are sensitive to the bit, have a dry mouth, or are prone to irritations.

In some cases, a lubricant or corner-of-the-mouth balm can help reduce friction and protect sensitive areas of the horse’s mouth. However, if irritation is recurrent, it is often worthwhile to also check the suitability of the bit, its adjustment, and the overall condition of the horse’s mouth.

Horse lubricants can improve the movement of the bit and reduce certain types of friction, particularly in horses with a dry or sensitive mouth. However, they do not change the shape of the bit or the way pressure is distributed. A lubricant may improve comfort, but it cannot compensate for a bit that is unsuitable for the horse.

It may be an option worth considering in some cases, but limited salivation can have many different causes. The bit’s material, its shape, the horse’s level of relaxation, and its individual preferences can all influence oral activity. It is generally advisable to consider all of these factors rather than relying solely on a lubricant product.

The bit should be rinsed with water after each use to remove saliva and residue. Be sure to dry it with a clean, dry cloth dedicated to this purpose. If dirt is difficult to remove, a small cleaning brush can be used. However, never use a wire brush, as its bristles could scratch the bit, making it rough and sharp.