HorseChannel's Online Bit Guide: Tom Thumb

Tweet

Western Tom Thumb: This bit combines the simple, single-jointed mouthpiece of a snaffle with the shanks and chin strap of a curb bit. The idea is to maintain the basic nutcracker action of a snaffle, yet introduce the leverage action of a curb and the concept of neck reining.

• Sometimes referred to a colt breaking or training bit for western horses.
• Though often perceived as a bit for transitioning a young horse from a snaffle to a curb, it can actually be a very severe bit due to the leverage action of the shanks.
• Green horses can become confused by this bit as it can be an abrupt change from the direct rein action and non-leverage action of a plain snaffle.

Next bit >>

Back to HorseChannel's Online Bit Guide.

Tweet

 Give us your opinion on
HorseChannel's Online Bit Guide: Tom Thumb

Earn 1,000 points! What's this?

Jenn    Bessemer, AL 9/2/2012 10:42:25 PM I have used the tom thumb on all my horses,it never fails to lower the high heads,soften hard mouths,even emproved neckreining with green horses andrea and sweet Pea    new holland, PA 7/21/2012 4:11:03 PM I use a Tom Thumb on my horse that would NEVER respond to a snaffle (believe me, I tried) and it works great. Samantha    Mission Viejo, CA 3/18/2010 12:39:52 AM If you are even considering this bit, read about how it really works and why it's one of the worst bits you can use: LINK