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 a Tom Thumb bit used for?
Tom Thumb bits are most commonly used by young or small riders who are trying to manage a stout, insensitive horse. For experienced riders, if the Tomb Thumb bit is being used to make your horse stop faster, you might consider why your horse isn’t stopping in the first place.
What is the softest bit to use on 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 is a snaffle bit good for?
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 the most gentle bit for a horse?
The gentlest type of snaffle bit is the Eggbutt snaffle. The name comes from the somewhat egg-shaped connection between the mouthpiece and the bit-ring. The mouthpiece of an eggbutt can be made of a variety of materials (as can any bit), including copper and synthetic (either solid or covered).
Is Tom Thumb a snaffle?
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.
What’s a Tom Thumb?
1 : a legendary English dwarf. 2 : a dwarf type, race, or individual.
What is the mildest snaffle bit?
French Link – mildest of the snaffle bits, the three pieces relieves pressure on bars.
Why does my horse chomps on the bit?
Constant bit chewing is often a sign of nervousness, particularly in younger horses, or discomfort. … He might need more time getting accustomed to the feel of the bit in his mouth without also having to focus on a rider on his back.
How do I choose the right bit for my horse?
To start with consider the thickness. The thinner the mouthpiece, the more your horse will feel the effects of rein pressure. Thinner bits should encourage more of a reaction to contact. 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.
Do I 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.
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.
What bit to use after a snaffle?
Tom Mouthpiece: A Bristol type bit, with a three piece mouth that gives wraparound pressure on the bars and spreads pressure across the tongue. A nice transition bit from a snaffle to a shank.
Can you neck rein with a snaffle bit?
With a snaffle, you can apply lateral (side) and vertical pressure without causing your gelding any pain or discomfort. Some people do switch to a shanked bit once their horses are trained to neck rein, but I’ve found a smooth snaffle bit can offer great control for the horse’s entire life.
What is the least harsh 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.
What are the different types of snaffle bit?
Snaffle bits come in five varieties: D-ring, eggbutt, loose ring, full cheek, and half-cheek.