tom thumb bit/jointed pelham

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still playing around with bits for hunting. last couple of times have been in double which has worked brakes wise but felt he wasn't entirely comfy with 2 bits in his mouth and got difficult to bridle which says he wasn't happy. tried him in french link rugby pelham today - bought it for showing as he went well in the normal french link snaffle. rode him off top rein to start with but no brakes so picked up the bottom rein and had good control. really would like to just have one rein so wondering about buying a plain french link pelham and ride with roundings? i know the concept of curb and jointed bit is wrong but he seems to like it?

on the same line, the tom thumb looks similar - i like the lozenge one, rather than the copper roller one as i dont think he quite needs that. he's very soft in his mouth but just gets a bit over-excited out hunting. anything too strong leads to serious temper tantrums. he has a padded headpiece and padded curb chain as very sensitive (the orange gene i think!). can you use the tom thumb with roundings? does it need a curb chain?

thanks!

PS - have already tried kimblewick (not enough brakes) and cheltenham gag (too strong = tantrums)
 
You can use the tom thumb with a curb strap, the shanks are actually quite short, so if you use a curb strap to stabilise the rotation and ride off the bottom rein, you'd be about spot on. Otherwise, yes you can use roundings, though the action would be very much the same as a pelham with roundings
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I hunt my chap in a jointed pelham with a curb, lip strap, and roundings. He's not really a strong horse but has a tendency to stick his nose in the air and hollow. He's very happy in it, and I have brakes when I need them, and have managed to lead a pony out hunting from him. My trouble is that I can't find a different bit for 'every day use', schooling etc, that he goes as well in, ho hum!
 
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