Tom Thumb Horse Bits and The Differnce Between Curb Bits and Snaffle Bits

Tom Thumb Bit Savvy

Below are some good things to know when buying a Tom Thumb bit.

Is the bit new or used? Most of the ones we have seen have been new but don't take this for granted.

Is it really a Tom Thumb? Some sellers will call a bit with a broken mouthpiece and long shanks a Tom Thumb but true Tom Thumbs have short, loose shanks.

Did You Know?

A Tom Thumb bit is a "curb" style of bit. With a curb bit the reins are attached to the bit in such a way as to give the rider leverage when the reins are pulled on. In the case of a Tom Thumb bit (and many other styles of bits) the reins are attached to a shank that extends downward from the mouthpiece of the bit. Attaching the reins to the shank is what provides the rider with leverage.

A "snaffle" bit, on the other hand, is a type of bit where the reins are attached in such a way as to place a direct pull on the mouthpiece of the bit without the use of leverage.

Some people incorrectly call a Tom Thumb bit a snaffle bit because it has a broken mouthpiece, which is also often called a snaffle mouthpiece. However, if a bit works off of leverage (like a Tom Thumb does) it is a curb bit regardless of the style of mouthpiece.