Western Tom Thumb: This bit combines the simple, single-jointed mouthpiece of a snaffle with the shanks and chin strap of a curb bit. The idea is to maintain the basic nutcracker action of a snaffle, yet introduce the leverage action of a curb and the concept of neck reining.
- Sometimes referred to a colt breaking or training bit for western horses.
- Though often perceived as a bit for transitioning a young horse from a snaffle to a curb, it can actually be a very severe bit due to the leverage action of the shanks.
- Green horses can become confused by this bit as it can be an abrupt change from the direct rein action and non-leverage action of a plain snaffle.
Back to Horse Illustrated’s Online Bit Guide.
If you are even considering this bit, read about how it really works and why it’s one of the worst bits you can use:
http://todayshorse.com/the-trouble-with-tom-thumb/
I use a Tom Thumb on my horse that would NEVER respond to a snaffle (believe me, I tried) and it works great.
I have used the tom thumb on all my horses,it never fails to lower the high heads,soften hard mouths,even emproved neckreining with green horses