Im getting bored of finding the right bit!

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alicep

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Any one have any info about a Tom Thunb bit. currently using a 2 ring dutch gag with losenge but its too much pressure on the poll and she just tucks her head right in and off she goes! (not cool
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) Is the tom thumb slightly milder than the dutch gag and is it going to have less pressure on the poll? is it normal to fit i.e. do you have to get half size smaller or larger than you need?
 
I found the tom thumb created a lot of resistance unless I rode on almost a slack rein most of the time, Am now trying a Loop ring/wilkie/beval snaffle...
I could hack in the TT, just not set up for SJ etc.
 
well i only really ever do hacking and schooling as my mare doesnt jump due to a tendon injury. and i nearly always school in a french link. do you reckon the tom thumb is worth a go for hacking and if so should it be a copper one as ive seen two bit called 'Tom Thumb' but the copper one was completely different to the korsteel one
 
I use a lozenge tom thumb and find it brilliant to be honest. I mainly use the snaffle ring, with an extra set of reins on the lower shank, for standby situations e.g. meeting another horse, buckaroo moments, general go faster stripes.

I mainly hack in it, he has a tendancy to stick his head down and buck. Lower shank lifts the head very nicely
 
Can you ride with just one rein on the snaffle rein? i like the idea of a losenge as this keeps on the milder side of things.
 
If you just use the snaffle section and do not plan to use the lower shank, then is it not a hanging cheek ?? In which case got the the hanging cheek it, will be neater on the horse
 
ahhh did not think of that option although i have tried a french link hanging cheek which seemed not to do any thing. well i have ordered a tom thumb with lozenge so i will give it a go. now all i need to do is check how to fit it.
 
The shorter shank attached to the cheek pieces. The mouth piece should make a smilie face.

You can also use pelham rounding with it, to use both lower and snaffle, but I personally like to make the difference obvious when using.

good luck,p.s. get 1/4 inch bigger to stop it pinching
 
I know the feeling......I tried lots of bits in the hope that my horse would stop going behind the bit, stop chomping and feel more comfortable. In the end I gave up and have bought him a Dr Cook bitless bridle. He is a changed horse....... no more napping and he stops on a sixpence.

Not everyone is keen on bitless bridles but the Dr Cook bridle is very mild, plus you can try it for 30 day free trial. It worked for me.
 
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