Sweet iron tom thumb bit

[horsegirl]

Can anyone give me any info about the action of this bit? I have looked at a few websites some which say it is a moderate bit and some say severe (I know a lot depends on the hands)

 

[KatB]

I personally dont think they are that severe as they have a very small shank length. They are like a mild American Gag, with less "leverage" as the ring onto the actualy mouthpiece is very small. They work as a mild elevator. I like them and find most things go well in them

 

[SouthWestWhippet]

I had a horse that came to me as being ridden in one a couple of years ago. He was bloody strong and I was pretty feeble at that time (about 3 years ago before I started BHS training). I couldn't stop him AT ALL in it, switched to a kimberwick in the end and that worked a miracle cure.

At the time I thought it was a strong bit cos it looks pretty 'extravagent' but these days I would say it really isn't that strong at all although the mouth piece does have the 'bumps' in it which give it a bit more kick. Tom Thumbs when you read about them online have a reputation for being pretty strong, but I can't see how this bit is so very sharp TBH.

I've seen it used with a curb chain before on smaller ponies, I guess this would be much stronger...

 

[PapaFrita]

I agree with KatB; I've got one for PF (not sweet iron though) and love it. So does she

It would certainly be more severe with a curb on it.

 

[wench]

beware of the shires ones - the sizings come up small