What Is A Tom Thumb Bit?

The Tom Thumb Bit, often referred to as a Western Snaffle or the Tom Thumb Snaffle, is a popular finishing and fine-tuning bit for the Western horse. The mouthpiece of the Tom Thumb bit is like other snaffles, available in single or double-jointed styles.

Is a Tom Thumb a harsh bit?

Action and Uses of a Tom Thumb Bit.The Tom Thumb bit is a more severe and uncomfortable bit than many people realize. In unskilled hands, this particular tool can be quite a harsh bit, which can cause your horse to object because of the discomfort it causes.

What is the most gentle bit for a horse?

Eggbutt French Link Snaffle
“French Link” refers to the two joints in this snaffle bit, which reduces the pressure on the horse’s lower jaw when both reins are squeezed. This is considered a gentle bit and can be found with a curved mouthpiece to make it even softer.

What type of bit is a Tom Thumb?

The Tom Thumb bit is a cross between an American gag and an elevator bit. It offers more precision and control and is very popular for show jumping and cross country.

How do you set a Tom Thumb bit?

The Tom Thumb has ports on either side where the headstall will be attached, either with strips of rawhide or Chicago screws. A small port behind the headstall ring is for the curb chain, which is a crucial component for every leverage bit. Once the pieces are in place, the bit can be placed in the horse’s mouth.

What is the difference between a Tom Thumb bit and a snaffle bit?

The Tom Thumb Bit – A Bit for the Well-Trained Western Horse
The Tom Thumb snaffle bit starts as a regular snaffle, applying direct pressure to the mouth, lips and to the bars of the horse’s mouth. With the addition of shanks however, the Tom Thumb bit moves beyond the regular snaffle motion by adding leverage action.

Do you need a chin strap with a snaffle bit?

On a snaffle, a chin strap will be very effective in keeping the bit from pulling all the way through the horse’s mouth when using one rein. It need not be adjusted tight and is normally placed between the reins and bit. The one exception to the need for a chin strap is with the full cheek snaffle.

Why does my horse chomps on the bit?

Possible bit problem: This behavior could indicate that the bit is too narrow for your horse’s level of sensitivity and therefore could be pinching on the corners of his mouth. Bit chomping can also be a sign that the bit doesn’t fit the inside of your horse’s mouth properly.

What is a ported bit?

Popular among Western and English bits, ports feature an inverted curve or a “U” shape at the center of the mouthpiece. This unique shape provides pressure relief on your horse’s tongue while emphasizing pressure on the mouth instead.

How does a Dutch gag bit work?

The Dutch Gag was designed to combine this sliding and pulling on the lips with the leverage action of a shank. A bit with leverage pressure- a shank extension below the mouthpiece- is asking for head lowering, “outline” and nose retraction. So, the Dutch Gag is trying to ask for lifting and lowering at the same time.

Are snaffle bits harsh?

While direct pressure without leverage is milder than pressure with leverage, nonetheless, certain types of snaffle bits can be extremely harsh when manufactured with wire, twisted metal or other “sharp” elements. A thin or rough-surfaced snaffle, used harshly, can damage a horse’s mouth.

Are snaffle bits cruel?

Shank bits can be harsh on the horse. But, the exact answer depends on how the bit is being used. Generally, the common issue with shank bits is that when the rider pulls the reigns, the sides of the horse’s mouth get pinched. This causes pain and discomfort for the horse.

What does a Kimberwick bit do?

This is a bit commonly used in general riding and provides more curb action to a horse that may be a strong puller or needs slight curb action to lower its head. It can not be used in dressage and many hunter classes, although you may see it on field hunters.

What is the purpose of a curb bit?

Curb bits allow the rider to give much more subtle rein aids than with many snaffles, as well as encourage a horse to flex and carry their heads on the vertical, like dressage horses, which are ridden in a ​double bridle with both a curb and snaffle bit in their mouths.

Why is a snaffle bit used?

Snaffle bits are generally gentler on a horse’s mouth than other types of bits while still providing adequate communication. When a rider pulls the reins, the snaffle bit puts pressure on the bars, lips, and tongue of the horse’s mouth. When using a snaffle bit, no pressure is applied to the horse’s poll.

What is a wonder bit?

The Wonder Bit is a very versatile gag shank. The siding mouthpiece moves forward engaging poll pressure allowing for more lateral flexion and shoulder elevation. Can be used with a martingale or double rein. This mouthpiece works similar to a smooth snaffle.

What bit to use for neck reining?

snaffle bit
Step 1: Direct Reining
Direct Reining is quite simple and is one of the first things any horse should learn under saddle. This is done in a snaffle bit, preferably in a smooth dog bone or mullen mouth. (Read more on choosing bit mouth pieces and western snaffle bits.)

What is the difference between a Headstall and bridle?

As nouns the difference between bridle and headstall
is that bridle is the headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins while headstall is the part of a bridle that fits over a horse’s head and supports other elements.

What is the difference between a D ring and O ring snaffle?

The O-Ring exerts the most concentrated pressure n the side of the face. D-Ring Snaffles A fixed-ring Snaffle bit does not swivel on the ring. They have a fixed butt and better lateral cue because the side opposite the rein-pull exerts pressure to encourage the turn.

Can you use a snaffle bit with a western bridle?

An English bridle will typically be used with a snaffle bit; a Western bridle may be used with a curb bit and curb strap/chain (which runs behind the bit, under your horse’s chin), or with a snaffle.

How do you tell if a horse dislikes you?

When a trained horse becomes frustrated with the rider, the signs may be as subtle as a shake of his head or tensing/hollowing of his body, or as blatant as swishing the tail, kicking out or flat out refusing to do what the rider asks.