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.
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