bits

[xxsnaffle]

I'm going to be doing western with my horse more, so therefore I would like to get him a western bit. Right now he uses a full cheek snaffle and goes well in that. Mainly I guess I am just asking which western bit is closest to being like it?

I don't really know where to start. lol

[DixieGirl]

I use a Tom Thumb. It has a curb chain that goes with it. Both of my horses are wonderful in it and it's not harsh on their mouth. It doesn't have a port or anything. It's like a western snaffle. Here is a picture...

http://www.statelinetack.com/itemdy00.asp?T1=SLT731317%20500

[painthorsegirl101]

I'm not an expert with bits, bu tcan't u just get a different bridle but use the same bit? Then again, i'm not an expert. :)

[Manda]

if your horse goes well in a full cheek, then just use that. no point in wasting money on a new bit.

[StarGirl]

If you're just riding for fun, then keep with the bit that works....

But....if you want to show western (something other than barrels) you'll need an actual western bit. I also use the Tom Thumb, but only for neckreining, I rarely direct rein with it. It has quite a stop on it compared to a standard snaffle or full cheek, but it isn't harsh. I like it because it's jointed and doesn't have a port...plus, it has copper rollers for my mare....she likes to play with it...:)

Good luck!

[Full of Flight]

My retired QH I rode western in a Tomb Thomb and rode english in a full cheek. I would use the tomb thumb expecially if your horse has a pretty soft mouth. :)

[Raggle]

A tom thumb is not something I'd consider using on any of my horses. I'll stick to snaffle bits. ;)

[DixieGirl]

A tom thumb is not something I'd consider using on any of my horses. I'll stick to snaffle bits. ;)

A tom thumb is like a western snaffle. It's not a harsh bit at all.

[StarGirl]

If it were up to me, I would just use a snaffle....however, due to (unnecessary) bit rules in most western events (other than barrels and a couple of others) you have to have a western bit. When I found this out, I went to all my local tack stores and asked for the mildest western bit around. Every single one told me to get the tom thumb. If it were harsh, I wouldn't use it, I don't like the idea of bits controlling a horse. Therefore, I use it to guide my mare, and my legs and seat and voice for actual control...if that makes sense.....have you aske dyour local tack store? Maybe they have a reccomendation...

Once again, only change bits if you're planning on showng westernm, otherwise don't fix what's not broken...

[Raggle]

A tom thumb is like a western snaffle. It's not a harsh bit at all.

I never said that it was. I just said I prefer not to use them. Different strokes for different folks. Why should I when my horses work better in a d-ring copper snaffle? You don't go change bits if there is no need to. So I won't. If you have to for showing purposes then that is one thing.

[alliekk]

I remember a thread about bits and Silverlelpricuan went on a frenzy about using tomthumbs and posted numerous articles about it's flaws. I agree with Silver, though. I used to use a tomthumb until I read the articles. The fact that it is flexible in the shank causes it to put pressure on the mouth when you neck rein. The pressure is not painful, but very confusing. My opinion would be to get a bit that has the same mouth as your full cheek, just not the dramatic "cheek," lol. Honestly, I'm a changed person after reading the articles and they made sense to me. Don't confuse your horse with a tomthumb.

[Raggle]

I remember a thread about bits and Silverlelpricuan when on a frenzy about using tomthumbs and posted numerous articles about it's flaws. I agree with Silver, though. I used to use a tomthumb until I read the articles. The fact that it is flexible in the shank causes it to put pressure on the mouth when you neck rein. The pressure is not painful, but very confusing. My opinion would be to get a bit that has the same mouth as your full cheek, just not the dramatic "cheek," lol. Honestly, I'm a changed person after reading the articles and they made sence to me. Don't confuse your horse with a tomthumb.


That's why I don't use them. Too much controversy and confusion. She goes in a copper roller reining bit if not a snaffle so I'm all good. :rolleyes:

[alliekk]

Exactly the bit I use. Dee Ring with Copper rollers. My horse loves it to pieces.