Is a Tom Thumb bit harsh?

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.

Is a Tom Thumb bit a gag?

The Shires Sweet Iron Copper Tom Thumb is a popular bit amongst showjumpers, being similar in action to an American gag but without the action of the mouthpiece being raised up in the horse's mouth. The mouthpiece features copper layers for tongue pressure.

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

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.

What is the mildest bit for a horse?

One of the most common types of snaffle bit is the eggbutt, which is considered to be the gentlest type of snaffle bit because it doesn't pinch the corners of the horse's mouth. It has an egg-shaped connection between the mouthpiece and the bit-ring.

Is a Tom Thumb bit good?

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.

Why is a Tom Thumb bit the worst bit around and is NOT a snaffle - Rick Gore Horsemanship

Are gag bits harsh?

The Running Gag is certainly not suitable for everyone, and can be too strong for some horses. The mechanics of how it moves up the bridle and therefore up in the horse's mouth can lead it to be misused if the rider is not very good with their balance and their hands.

What is a gentlest bit?

A French link snaffle has two joints connected via a “lozenge” in the center of the mouthpiece. Considered one of the mildest snaffle bits.

What is a good bit for a horse with a sensitive mouth?

Thicker bits are often a good option for young or mouth sensitive horses as they can find the pressure of a thin bit to be sharp. If you're after a thick bit, the Shires Brass Alloy Training Bit (pictured right) could be a good option as it's 18mm wide.

How do you use a Tom Thumb?

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 bit should I use for barrel racing?

Curb Bit. Any bit with a shank is considered a curb. Because a curb gives a rider extra leverage in comparison to a snaffle, it is one of the better barrel racing bits for strong horses.

What's the best bit for a strong horse?

Gag bits. Gag bits act on the poll, the tongue and the corners of the mouth. Unlike 3-ring bits and Pelhams, this type of bit is very well suited for horses that lean on the bit or pull downwards.

Are Tom Thumb bits allowed in Pony Club?

The cheeks reinforce the turning aids and will not pull through the mouth. The Tom Thumb Cheeks are allowed for Pony Club, Showjumping and Eventing.

What does a Kimberwick bit do?

This is a bit commonly used in general riding and provides more control on a horse that may be a strong puller or needs slight curb action to lower its head. It's a popular choice for young riders on ponies who might not be very responsive to the rein aids.

Is a hanging cheek snaffle harsh?

There is a widely held misconception that hanging cheek (or Baucher) bits increase pressure on the poll much like a leverage bit. In reality, the hanging cheek design relieves poll pressure and is a form of mild snaffle. In fact, hanging cheek bits are milder on the poll than even a loose ring!

Are snaffle bits harsh?

A snaffle is sometimes mistakenly thought of as "any mild bit". 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.

Are twisted snaffle bits harsh?

The single twist wire snaffle is a very severe bit for two reasons. Firstly, the thinner a mouthpiece is, the more severe it is. So, by definition this wire snaffle is very severe. Secondly, the fact that the wire is twisted makes it strong across the bars and tongue of the horse's mouth.

How do I stop my horse from chomping on the bit?

Davis is commonly asked what to do if a horse starts chomping or playing around with the bit in its mouth. “The first thing is to get their teeth checked by a veterinarian,” he says. “After that, loosen the headstall to drop the bit down, and teach them how to carry that bit.”

What makes a bit harsh?

If you are using a bit with a port, the bit will be more gentle or harsh depending on its size. A shallow port will produce a gentle horse bit while tall, narrow ports tend to be harsher because they put pressure on the horse's palate.

Is a chain bit harsh?

Chain mouthpieces use either link or bicycle chain. These bits are very severe, and their use is generally frowned upon.

What type of bit should I use on my horse?

A soft bit refers to a bit that is more gentle on the horse's mouth while a hard bit would apply more pressure. Ideally, you use the softest bit you can to communicate with your horse.

What is a Stage B bit?

Stage B is all about transition, with the introduction of leverage and curb pressure. Short shanked bits and half-gags comprise Stage B.