Tom Thumb bit.

Okay, so I've been reading a lot about how many people don't like the Tom Thumb bits. I've kind of grew up around them and people using them. It's the only bit I've ever really used on horses.

The one I use now on my horse is this one:


She has absolutely no trouble at all, she responds great to it, except for she sometimes doesn't back at first, but eventually she goes. I was just wondering should I look into changing it?

I just don't know cause I've read a lot of negative feedback about the Tom Thumb and I would just like opinions/answers. I just use her for trails and barrels.

And keep in mind I honestly don't know much at all about the different kinds of bits.

If she moves fine in it, then I wouldn't bother changing.

The reason I, and many others, don't really like it is because of the design. They tried to make a "transition" bit, for when a horse is moving up from a snaffle to a shank. But what happened, since that's impossible, is they created a very sharp bit, that gives confusing, and incorrect cues. You're either in a snaffle, or you're in a curb. There is no inbetween. But there is, different shank lengths.

Because the shanks are so straight, it gives an immediate cue, hence why I called it a sharp bit. A shank that curves a little bit, gives a softer cue to the mouth. There are other bits with straight shanks, but I personally prefer something with a bit of curve to it.

Like I said, some do ok, and those horses are one's who are neck reined, on a very loose rein. It's not correct in the slightest to ride two handed with a tomb thumb. If your horse is ok in it, then leave her in it. No sense in changing things up on her, if she's doing good.


Edit: That bit you posted isn't a true tom thumb, now that I look back at the pic. A true tom thumb will have totally straight shanks. Other bits are being called tom thumbs, even when they are really not the original design. Like, how single joints are being called snaffles, even if it has a seven inch shank. That kinda thing.

Here ya go. This "debate" should satisfy your curiosity: why do so many people object to Tomb Thumbs and dislike them?

Thanks , Bubba. That will make for some interesting reading.

Thank you for the replies.

Like I said in my original post, I am not bit smart, at all. There are still a lot of things I have to learn as far as tack goes. But I've definitely learned a bit just in this thread alone, haha.

Thank you Bubba and DejaVu.