Why is a Tom Thumb bit the worst bit around and is NOT a snaffle - Rick Gore Horsemanship

http://www.thinklikeahorse.org/index.html
I discuss what is a snaffle bit, what makes a snaffle and why the Tom Thumb bit is NOT a snaffle. I also talk about the difference between leverage bits and non-leverage bits. I show a mechanical hackamore, a grazer bit, a snaffle bit, a tom thumb bit and a rope halter. I am not a fan of any bit, but the Tom Thumb is the absolute worst bit out there and far too many people are fooled and told that a tom thumb bit is a snaffle bit, it is not, a tom thumb bit is the most painful and cruel bit in the horse world and should banned, in my humble opinion.

Here is link that talks about going from bit to bitless:
http://www.thinklikeahorse.org/index-3.html#22

I also have a article written by Mark Rashid linked to my web site which explains the Tom Bit very well.
http://www.thinklikeahorse.org/index-13.html

Another Good Bit Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0a-aV0Rsxmg&feature=player_profilepage

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• rick gore
• natural horsemanship
• horses
• horse training
• thinklikeahorse
• equine training
• snaffle bit
• tom thumb bit
• leverage bit
• non leverage bit
• painful bits
• bad bits
• rfd tv
• clinton anderson
• pat parrelli
• craig cameron
• Mark Rashid

[Bellesweetie]

what is your opinion on pelhams?

[horseawareness]

@Bellesweetie : Don't know, never used one and never seen one, my opinion is the same any metal in the mouth is designed to give pain compliance and I don't like them. Leverage bits are worse than non-leverage.

[mandyxxcoleman]

As a trainer id like to know what your thoughts are on the full cheek snaffle?? Its the only bit i use from, green horses to finished horses, with the understanding that it was a soft bit. I also train my horse to require as little pressure as possible to insure comfortability horse the horse and safety with the rider (so if an accident was to happen it would take as much pull to get a response). =] love learning from other trainers thank you very much for you input!

[horseawareness]

@mandyxxcoleman : If you are so sure you training your horses to be soft then why not train them in a rope halter? Why use any bit? A bit metal and can will cause pain either with you or someone else, so not a fan of any metal in a horse's mouth. Too many people say they are soft and are not, too many accidents, too many unpredicted circumstances, too many emotions in humans, but the short answer for full cheek it is as good as any other snaffle.

[corbert13]

Not all bad information, however, bits and leverage bits have their place.

Qualified trainers (who understand the Vaquero tradition) have explained to me that the Tom Thumb acts like a nutcracker and should NEVER be used.

Leverage bits do have their place, where increased signal is sent to the horse by the leverage action. Yes, you need good hands.

Most horses (and riders) do not spend enough time in training to reach the point where a leverage bit is appropriate.

[horseawareness]

@mandyxxcoleman : Go change your little girl panties and cry at the barn. Just because you call yourself a horse trainer does not make it so.

[Lambadalover333]

i totally agree

[IrishHoneySaddlebred]

Hey Rick, any tips on how to convince a parent that bits are cruel? My dad thinks he knows more about horses that anyone & won't let me ride unless I'm using a bit. I can tell my gelding hates his bit, & seems to ride better in his halter, but dad doesn't get it..

[duvalditty73]

@ariprinz but with the extra link in the center had less pinching effect

[duvalditty73]

I rode with a tom thumb but the horse was neck-reined and would stop with a touch. so no direct rein turns and never more than a pound of pressure, ever.

[ArablvrXoXo]

@ariprinz I mean the two piece snaffles that put so much pressure on the roof of the mouth and bars. French links wrap around the mouth, not dig into the sides and top.

[ariprinz]

@ArablvrXoXo a french link is a snaffle....

[RidintotheSunset]

What is the "nutcracker effect"? I've heard it used a lot and I can't figure out what people mean....

[Iamhorsecrazy1]

Thank you so much I only ever use a D snaffle but and have been asking what are the bad bits and no one can tell me, I would never ride a horse with a cruel bit in this video is 100% liked by me

[Kaughtt]

I feel guilty now! I use a curb bit with my gelding, no one ever told me otherwise, and I never realized how harsh the bit was. :( With my new horse this summer it's going to be snaffle or less. No more curb!!

[ninabaker1232]

Hey Rick I have a question. I ride my mare with a d ring dr. Bristol I was told it was for control. What r ur thoughts on that type of bit?