What is a Tom Thumb bit?

The Tom Thumb Bit – A Bit for the Well-Trained Western Horse

The mouthpiece of the Tom Thumb bit is like other snaffles, available in single or double-jointed styles. 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.

Is Tom Thumb a harsh 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.

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.

Are Mullen mouth bits harsh?

A mullen mouth is a plain mouthpiece with a slight curve over the horse's tongue. This makes it more comfortable for the horse to carry than a straight-bar mouthpiece. It's also considered more gentle than a jointed mouthpiece, as there is no pinching effect when the reins are pulled.

What is the gentlest 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.

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

What is the softest bit for a horse?

The softest bits are generally snaffle bits made of rubber. Rubber offers a smooth fit on the bars of the horse's mouth, while the snaffle's rings fit softly in the corners of the horse's mouth without pinching.

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.

Why is a snaffle bit used?

A snaffle bit is a common type of horse bit that is gentle on the horse's mouth. Comprised of either a single bar or two to three jointed pieces between large rings on either side, snaffle bits make it easy for riders to communicate with their horse and are commonly used to train young horses and beginner riders.

What is a walking horse bit?

A jointed snaffle is an ideal bit to use with two hands. A snaffle bit transfers the rider's pull ounce for ounce, unlike a shanked bit, which multiplies the force of the pull. By pulling on only one rein at a time, you will encourage your horse to bend and give in that direction.

Do you need a curb strap for a Tom Thumb bit?

Western riders should utilize a curb strap or chain to keep the Tom Thumb mouthpiece in the horse's mouth correctly and keep it from rotating too far in the horse's mouth which might cause damage.

Why use a curb chain on a horse?

The curb strap prevents the bit from rotating too far in the horse's mouth, which may be very uncomfortable, especially if there is a large spoon or port on the mouthpiece of the bit. The curb chain limits the pressure on the upper palate of the horse's mouth as the mouthpiece rotates.

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.

Can a snaffle bit have shanks?

The snaffle bit has no shanks or levers on the sides of the mouthpiece. Rather, it has round rings, “D” shaped rings, or some other simple rings. Snaffle bits have a single ring on each side, which applies direct pressure to the sides of the mouth.

Can you use a snaffle bit for Western riding?

Snaffle Bits

As previously mentioned, this design delivers equal, direct pressure to the horse's mouth when the reins are pulled. The simple design of a snaffle bit has made it a popular choice in both English and Western riding.

What are gag bits used for?

Gag bits are used mainly for horses that are strong pullers or for horses that need retraining. Gag bits are most commonly seen in polo, eventing (especially for cross-country), show jumping, and hacking, mainly for increased control at times where a horse may be excited or try to run off with the rider.

What do lifter bits do?

This bit is designed primarily for horses that have a tendency to drop their shoulder in turns. The longer shank offers the rider leverage in helping to elevate the shoulder and maintain a balanced position in the horse's body.

What does a lifesaver bit do?

It distributes pressure between the tongue, lips and bars, and the mouthpiece is wrapped in iron to encourage relaxation.

What is the purpose of a copper roller bit?

The copper in the roller is supposed to stimulate salivation, which acts as a cushion to soften the feel of the bit in the horse's mouth. The roller on this bit is large enough to cause irritation in a horse with a low palate.

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.

What is a Billy Allen bit?

Billy Allen Bit 5 1/4"

The “Billy Allen“ will allow you to introduce the curb strap and vertical flexion while still allowing you to use one rain at a time when needed. This bit does not fold up in a horse's mouth, yet still allows you to communicate laterally to your horse.

Where do horses like to be touched?

4- Many horses like to be rubbed on the neck, shoulder, hip, or on the chest. Some horses enjoy having their heads and ears rubbed. Horses often groom each other on the whither, so this would be a good place to try too. 6- If your horse does not want to be pet or moves away, do not be upset.

What bit should I use for trail riding?

A typical colt bit (a mullen-mouth, sweet-iron curb with very short shanks) can be an excellent trail bit if you ride with a loose rein; a mullen-mouth or low-port one-piece snaffle can be an excellent trail bit if you prefer to ride on light contact.