Tom Thumb bit....

[emmiec12]

Hi - please can anyone tell me what this bit is used for?

Lifting or lowering the head?

What is the steering like?

How savere do you think it is?

Thanks!

 

[TableDancer]

I find it works best on horses which are getting on their forehands a bit when pulling (often youngsters going through that over-enthusiastic stage), so in that sense I guess it raises the head. Steering has always been fine as far as I'm concerned. Severity depends massively on which way round you use it: if you use it with the copper bumps towards the bars of the mouth I find it quite sharp and would recommend caution. The other way round is a lot softer, only a small step up from a snaffle in my book. It also depends how high you have it the mouth, as this affects the amount of leverage it exerts.

I've used them a lot on a variety of horses, as well as their snaffle counterparts, I really like them. PM me if you want to discuss anything

 

[FigJam]

I use one on my mare XC, she can get quite strong when enjoying herself galloping and I'd rather take a small pull on this than haul on the hanging cheek snaffle she goes in for SJ!

I use it with the plain side, so the not-so-severe option, and she seems to respect it nicely. Steering seems ok, but she is a small, responsive little horse anyway.

 

[emmiec12]

Thanks!

 

[muffinthemule]

I just bought a similar bit - it's kind of a tom tumb/jumper/elevator hybrid with just a snaffle (lozenge) mouthpiece and it is just great.
Using it with my youngster who gets very heaving and strong in front and it just seems to lighten his forehand and give me a bit more control - fab!!
Can anyone tell me though - is this bit legal for SJ and XC at BE - just wanted to make sure!
Thanks

 

[TableDancer]

yes its fine, but not for PC