tom thumb bit

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perfectpolly

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i have been leant this bit to try by a tack shop, but i don't know much about it.
it is a sweet iron one with 3 copper rollers in the very middle over a link bit rather like a french link.
is this a very strong bit, need extra brakes for over excited girl, but don't want to go toooooo strong, but a step up if you know what i mean. any info or opinions would be appreciated.
 
Its only as strong as the hands!

Seriously though, its milder than a pelham or a 3 ring gag on the bottom rein

To stat with I suggest you try 2 reins - one on the tiny snaffle ring and one on the bottom ring. This gives you the best control and will help should she object to the shank action.
 
My daughter has just started using a Tom Thumb on her pony, and it is brilliant. She needed some extra breaks going XC, and also he can be a bit heavy on the forehand, and with its polll action, it really helps with that.
She does have to be more careful with her hands, and has to use lots of leg and allow him to go forward, otherwise he gets a bit flustered and starts to come back at her, which he wouldnt do in his normal French Link.
 
I use that mouthpeice on plain loose ring snaffle rings.

On the gelding it provides instant stopping power, and he doesn't run through the bridle when jumping like he does in his plain NS snaffle.

On the mare its about as much use as a chocolate teapot and I've kept her in her long shanked pelham.
 

i've had her a year now--scholls fantastically with lightest touch, but gets over excited when hacking on soft ground. we have come along way in the year and now i adore her, but she was a pc sj and obviously hit turf and was off, so now that is all she thinks she needs to do. have worked well on it, and can manage her now , but tried several bits of which i tought i'd found the right one-a d-ring snaffle with copper rollers-but shes too strong at canter and i have to seeswa it to get her to slow and stop, and now my poor girl has a sore in the top coner of her mouth, so back to the drawing board! tried a kimble wick for a few months, but when asked to slow she would throw her head in the air, hop unseat me then off again. teeth and saddle checked--vet said she has a small mouth-not much room with a big tongue.
so any bit advice would be lovely as i am lost!!!!!!
 
I really like these bits as the shanks arent long enough to have a huge action, but have quite a direct elevator action. The mouthpiece is also nice and soft. Definitely worth a try
smile.gif
 
I love mine - hack most of the time on a fairly lose rein, but I can pick up when Marnie gets strong in canter. I found that she started to lean on her pelham so changed, and she doesn't lean on the Tom Thumb. Also, I prefer just having the one rein as I always used 2 on the pelham.

Give it a go, and see what you think!
 
I have one and think it's a good bit, however I'm using my copper roller D at the moment as my horse has a tendency to grab hold of the bit.
 
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