The pad must be recharged before initial use if it is in a solid white state upon purchase. The bit warmer will be shipped in a solid state to prevent damage.

Remove pad from nylon holder before recharging.

Methods of Recharging:

A) Boiling Water:

Line the bottom of a saucepan with a facecloth or hand towel. This will prevent the plastic pad from melting on the hot pan. Place the pad on the cloth, fill with water to cover the pad, and bring to boil. Boil for 15 minutes (contents of pad will be completely dissolved). Remove pan from heat and let cool until pad can be safely removed.  The pad should be a completely clear liquid with no crystals floating in it. Reinsert pad into the nylon holder. The bit warmer may be activated any time in the future.

B) Microwave:

30 s on High Initially                                             Knead Pad                                        15 s on High

Repeat until pad contents is completely liquid

Smooth wrinkles out of the pad as much as possible.  Place pad in microwave (pad should have been removed from holder), and operate on "high" for 30 seconds.  Watch pad carefully, and immediately stop if pad bubbles or blisters (the holder could melt)!  Remove from microwave, knead pad, and repeat microwaving in 15-second intervals until the contents of pad are completely melted and clear, with no stray crystals floating around inside. When pad is cool enough to handle, reinsert into nylon holder.  The bit warmer may be activated any time in the future.

To Use

At least 5 minutes prior to bridling, bend (flex) the metal disk floating in the heat pad.  Knead the pad to soften as the crystals form.  When the whole pad is white and squishy, wrap the bit warmer around the bit and fasten the velcro.  The bit will be warm within five minutes. Remove bit warmer from bit.  Bridle the horse as usual.  The bit warmer will continue to stay warm for approximately 1 hour.  The pad now needs to be recharged (by microwave or boiling method) prior to the next use.

Storage and Care

The pad should be stored in liquid form.  Be aware that the pad may self-activate when stored below freezing temperatures for several hours.  Also, rough handling may inadvertantly activate the pad.
Surface clean the pad (when needed) with mild soap and water only.  Scrubbing or harsh chemicals may damage the pad.  The holder is hand washable with mild detergent and should hang dry.

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