Tom Thumb Sweet Iron & Copper Rings

[Lina2023]

Good morning,

My 19 year old bossie Connie mare has always gone in a snaffle since we've had her - loose ring initially then switched to D-ring with copper lozenge after visit from bit fitter.

My daughter manages her well in this. However, we've had a loaner start this week who is a great rider but she is struggling with brakes in the canter. She suggested a Pelham but I prefer the look of the (UK) Tom Thumb with the copper rings and that it can be used with single reins. I've also heard good things about it.

Am I correct in my understanding that cheek pieces connect to the top ring, and reins can be either on the middle ring (milder) or bottom ring (slightly stronger)? With the option of double reins?

I accept that this will be different from horse to horse, and bridle to bridle, but do you tend to shorten your cheek pieces by a couple of holes compared with a snaffle?

Thanks!

 

[Sprout]

I can’t remember exactly how we had to alter it, but my daughter rode her pony in a snaffle, but used a Tom Thumb for cross country and exciting hacks, and it worked really well.

 

[Lina2023]

I can’t remember exactly how we had to alter it, but my daughter rode her pony in a snaffle, but used a Tom Thumb for cross country and exciting hacks, and it worked really well.

Thank you, sounds like it might work really well for us! Do you use bit guards with it?

 

[Jenko109]

Ive never used one connected to the middle ring.

I do very much like the bit though and have found anything ive put one in has taken to it willingly.

 

[Lina2023]

Ive never used one connected to the middle ring.

I do very much like the bit though and have found anything ive put one in has taken to it willingly.

Thank you, I guess if you need one, it makes more sense to use the bottom ring! Do you use bit guards with it?

 

[Jenko109]

Do you use bit guards with it?

I honestly cannot remember if I ever had to use bit guards with one.

I would only have done so if it rubbed.

 

[Lina2023]

I honestly cannot remember if I ever had to use bit guards with one.

I would only have done so if it rubbed.

Thank you, might get some in case, handy to have!

 

[sarcasm_queen]

We used to use a Tom Thumb on my strong native. Worked really well, as long as you’re not pulling on it constantly. Never used cheek guards.

 

[Lina2023]

We used to use a Tom Thumb on my strong native. Worked really well, as long as you’re not pulling on it constantly. Never used cheek guards.

Thank you, I think it's definitely worth giving this bit a try then! Will get it ordered

 

[Stenners]

Just got one of these for my daughters pony - she has taken to it really well!

 

[P.forpony]

You can use pelham roundings on them too.
Worked well for one of mine and gave me just the smidge more than a snaffle that I needed out hunting.

 

[Lina2023]

Just got one of these for my daughters pony - she has taken to it really well!

Thank you, we took her out to a XC hire today and she went really well in it!

 

[Lina2023]

You can use pelham roundings on them too.
Worked well for one of mine and gave me just the smidge more than a snaffle that I needed out hunting.

Thank you, we took her out to a XC hire today and she went really well in it!