[bubba13]

Oh, they do hate on all those bits...incessently. I'll defend some of them, but not others.

My beef with the TT isn't necessarily its harshness but its imbalance and such. I very much like an AS, which many people see as the same bit. It's really not, though, except in the grossest of base mechanics. TT's are just made crappy, all the way around.

 

[trailhorserider]

Oh, they do hate on all those bits...incessently. I'll defend some of them, but not others.

My beef with the TT isn't necessarily its harshness but its imbalance and such. I very much like an AS, which many people see as the same bit. It's really not, though, except in the grossest of base mechanics. TT's are just made crappy, all the way around.

If I could own only one or two bits, they would look something like this:

http://www.kotrading.com/ProductImages/classicequine/bitaa20sm.jpg

or

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRpXHuVdKiNerrAEAsshoYtxbLdrVOZ05CS30piOdQk0YpQcb5m

I actually don't find a regular snaffle to have much use in my collection, although I do play with them from time to time.

I really don't know where to draw the line from tom thumb to argentine snaffle. The argentine snaffles are usually a little nicer and have a little sweep to the shanks, sometimes a nicer curve to the mouthpiece, but I'm really not convinced they are that much different. I think of a tom thumb as a cheaper version of an argentine snaffle in all honesty.

I also like a nice short shanked curb bit, something like this:

http://www.kotrading.com/productimages/bits/238316.jpg

but it seems like short shanked curbs are harder to find that long shanked ones! You would think it would be just the opposite.

So if I could only own a couple of bits, it would be a short shanked curb and an argentine snaffle. I know for breaking in a young horse you would also need a regular snaffle, but I really haven't made it to that point in my horsemanship yet.

 

[bubba13]

If you read the thread I posted earlier, I go on a lengthy rant/diatribe/exposé about the differences between a TT and AS (complete with images and a video, with a second one added to my Youtube page!). Besides proving that I have too much time on my hands, I think it shows, not so much a difference in "type" of bit, but in quality. Check out my posts there, just so I don't have to repeat myself (hey, it's 1:30 in the morning).

But you're right--there's no clear dividing line between the two. It's a continuum. And for example, I don't really know where on the spectrum to place a bit like this:

Or this:

They certainly have more than their fair share of TT characteristics, though they have the Pelham attachment characteristic of an AS.

I like the Reinsman Argentine you posted--less so the bit above it, as it looks tight at the mouthpiece/shank juncture, though I do love the free rings for the rein attachment. I really judge bits based on how well they're made and how well they move, though, as opposed to the name they're sold under.

 

[AmazinCaucasian]

Rick Gore conducts clinics??? Y'all are joking, right? Are there really people that pay to listen to this counterfeit, long-winded goober? If you're so desperate to learn horses that you'll pay money to get this man's advice, you're seriously in trouble. I have to admit I've watched his videos on youtube, but just because he's so ignorant. I like to watch stupid obnoxious people sometimes. It's like watching Jerry Springer; When you get done watching it, you're like," WOW that dude was wacky!!! What's wrong with him?"

I guess maybe something happened to him that made him so passionate about defending horses. I'd bet money his parents whipped him and he feels compelled to stop abuse, bla bla bla. As mouthy as he is, he probably needed a whippin'. He takes obnoxious to a whole new level. I just want to choke him!

I'm sure a halter serves him just fine trail riding (although I've yet to see him ride). But if he actually tried to test his superior horsemanship skill at a competition or event of any kind, he'd show everyone what a fool he is. I'm sure he's against anything PERFORMANCE-RELATED though. (ironic, huh?)

I would love to see this wannabe try to match skills with any real trainer in a training or colt-starting contest, really any kind of contest (except a talking stupid contest).

The bad part is, he's gonna get somebody hurt telling them they need to ride with a halter. Could someone please castrate him before he breeds some crazy woman and produces a new generation of super-retarded, aggressive-talking, wacko children?

Wish I could buy him for what he's worth, and sell him for what he thinks he's worth....Now look....I'm the long-winded one now. Guess it's contagious.

 

[SorrelHorse]

Rick Gore conducts clinics??? Y'all are joking, right? Are there really people that pay to listen to this counterfeit, long-winded goober? If you're so desperate to learn horses that you'll pay money to get this man's advice, you're seriously in trouble. I have to admit I've watched his videos on youtube, but just because he's so ignorant. I like to watch stupid obnoxious people sometimes. It's like watching Jerry Springer; When you get done watching it, you're like," WOW that dude was wacky!!! What's wrong with him?"

I guess maybe something happened to him that made him so passionate about defending horses. I'd bet money his parents whipped him and he feels compelled to stop abuse, bla bla bla. As mouthy as he is, he probably needed a whippin'. He takes obnoxious to a whole new level. I just want to choke him!

I'm sure a halter serves him just fine trail riding (although I've yet to see him ride). But if he actually tried to test his superior horsemanship skill at a competition or event of any kind, he'd show everyone what a fool he is. I'm sure he's against anything PERFORMANCE-RELATED though. (ironic, huh?)

I would love to see this wannabe try to match skills with any real trainer in a training or colt-starting contest, really any kind of contest (except a talking stupid contest).

The bad part is, he's gonna get somebody hurt telling them they need to ride with a halter. Could someone please castrate him before he breeds some crazy woman and produces a new generation of super-retarded, aggressive-talking, wacko children?

Wish I could buy him for what he's worth, and sell him for what he thinks he's worth....Now look....I'm the long-winded one now. Guess it's contagious.

That was pretty much my entire train of thought through the entire video.

I can understand if he is passionate about protecting the horses, but he really should at elast learn a little more and be open to other ideas and opinions. Note how in the comments section of that video he talks about one of the people being close-minded.

How I love the irony.

And the fact that he sees to assume all trainers are bad. Again, look at the comments....trainers have been mentioned multiple times and he automatically has dismissed them as ignorant idiots.

 

[usandpets]

I own a couple TT's and other similar bits with more curve to the shank. Personally, I don't see how the curve makes a difference. Both are leverage bits and apply the same force.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[reiningfan]

The curve in the shanks changes how fast the horse feels cues.

 

[faye]

It does entirely depend on which Tomthumb you mean. In the UK a tom thumb is probably one of the mildest pelham bits that there is
This is the bit that pops into my head when someone says tomthumb

 

[sarahver]

Just wanted to add that in other parts of the world a Tom Thumb is NOT a leverage bit, it is more like a Fulmer.

In Oz this is a Tom Thumb:

But in the context of this video (American I believe) then yes it IS a leverage bit.

 

[wild_spot]

^ Sorry, nope, that's a fulmer. On my phone right now so can't post a pic but a Tom thumb has shorter, flatter cheeks with rounded edges.
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[sarahver]

Ha, that's the second time you have pulled me up on my Tom Thumb definition WS. Happy to defer to you for a better pic me girl :wink:

 

[Appyt]

My favorite bit once a horse is ready to move up from a snaffle is this one.. Joints and swivels everywhere. Short shanks too..

 

[OTTBLover]

In Australia a tom thumb looks like this:

 

[Allison Finch]

My favorite bit once a horse is ready to move up from a snaffle is this one.. Joints and swivels everywhere. Short shanks too..

Now this is the bit I would use!! It is jointed, but "sleeved" so that there is no "nutcracker" effect.

Both the Tom Thumb and Argentine snaffle use leverage along with nutcracker....becoming more extreme than I would ever use. If I needed this dual effect, I need to step back and evaluate my basic training, IMO.

If I ever spend much time in a western saddle again, I will buy this bit.

 

[MHFoundation Quarters]

I really like the look of that bit Appyt, who's the maker?
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Appyt]

Francois-Gauthier-Collection-by-Metalab-Antique-Low-Port-Hinged-Futurity-Bit- I have found it for a good price on Horse.com, Statelinetack.com $25 there right now... chickssaddlery(when they have it in stock) etc.. Horseloverz has it as wel it is a bit higher there. It isn't always advertized with FG in the search. Low port search works usually. I have 3, my DIL has 2 and a friend I ride with has 2-3(I forget).... I have other bits, but I just use this for all my horses at this time. Love it.

 

[MHFoundation Quarters]

Thanks! I have a gift certif for Chick's, maybe I'll luck out
Posted via Mobile Device

 

[Appyt]

Chicks is having a sale on bits right now and it's not there. Them stinkers. They have had it at different times tho...

 

[Celeste]

As far as riding trails in a halter; I challenge ANYBODY to ride the arab I just got back from riding on a trail in a halter. I would like to have time to get a good life insurance policy on them first. He must have never ridden a real horse.

 

[bubba13]

I dunno. I'm of the opinion that just about any horse can be ridden in a halter--it may not be pretty, and it may lack finesse, and there might initially be a fair amount of lying back in the saddle and hauling....but with a good, effective rider the horse should soften up in time. Even a high-strung, hot, go-ey one. About the only horse I wouldn't attempt to ride in a snaffle would be a bad, confirmed bolter or a nasty bucker.