[crazy4horses205]

My friend direct reins in a TT, it makes me so mad. I told her its a western bit and its meant for neck reining but she wouldn't listen to me and said that you can direct rein with a western bit. The horse she rides throws her head up everytime she pulls the slightest bit

[gallop3337]

Originally Posted by lilrider

But you state that the article cohnvinced you not to use one.... why? Nope no deal the article was all about showing how evil the TT bit not explain the misueses of it. Or you choose not to use it because you think you will misuse it? Well I hope you don't even use a curb then

If someone does not understand how a bit works then they should honestly not be riding or should be working with someone more knowledgable.

IMO it being broken makes it easier to give very subtle cues as it moves more easily and more independently shank wise.

Maybe I am afraid I'll misuse the tom thumb. Seems really easy to do, so why take a chance at ruining a soft horse? My horse has a really sensitive mouth as it is. She is 4 and goes well in a snaffle or halter. She is very responsive to seat, leg, and rein cues and I don't really see the use for a curb bit. I am glad the tom thumb works for you and you know how to use it, but please don't insult me by telling me I shouldn't use a certain bit because you think I am too naive to use it.

Anyway, I never said the article had to convine EVERYONE to stay away from the tom thumb, but it just showed me it's really not a bit that I would like to use.

I agree, that if someone doesn't understand the bit they are using they shouldn't be using it, but not everyone puts that much thought into the well being of their horse.

You are forgetting about all the people out there who's solution to any horse related problem is "get a bigger bit". I know they are not the majority, but they are still out there, I've seen them. Not trying to single anyone out, but I've even seen it on this forum, threads titled "my horse won't stop, what bit should I try". Although it would be ideal for every new horse owner to have their own trainer/instructor, this is not the case.

Here are some quotes from the article that I feel after reading through your first post, you may have overlooked. I am not trying to be snippy, I just wanted to show you that he isn't bashing just the tom thumb and he knows the problems stem from inexperienced riders too!

"In just about every case, when I've been asked to help someone overcome an unresponsiveness problem in their horse, the problem has usually stemmed from the use of a Tom Thumb snaffle, or some other type of long-shanked snaffle bit. However, that is not always the only cause of the problem. Very often the use of one of these bits is coupled with the person's inexperience in working with problem horses in general, and is made worse by their inabiliity to recognize that a problem even exists."

"It is not meant to imply that the use of one of these bits is the only cause of unresponsive behavior in horses, or that the Tom Thumb is the only type of bit that will cause it. After all, any kind of bit in the hands of a unknowing or uncaring rider can easily be transformed into a weapon."

"If you are currently using a Tom Thumb snaffle or any other type of similar bit and you are happy with the way your horse is responding, then by all means, don't switch it."

[lilrider]

Originally Posted by gallop3337

Maybe I am afraid I'll misuse the tom thumb. Seems really easy to do, so why take a chance at ruining a soft horse? My horse has a really sensitive mouth as it is. She is 4 and goes well in a snaffle or halter. She is very responsive to seat, leg, and rein cues and I don't really see the use for a curb bit. I am glad the tom thumb works for you and you know how to use it, but please don't insult me by telling me I shouldn't use a certain bit because you think I am too naive to use it.

Anyway, I never said the article had to convine EVERYONE to stay away from the tom thumb, but it just showed me it's really not a bit that I would like to use.

I agree, that if someone doesn't understand the bit they are using they shouldn't be using it, but not everyone puts that much thought into the well being of their horse.

You are forgetting about all the people out there who's solution to any horse related problem is "get a bigger bit". I know they are not the majority, but they are still out there, I've seen them. Not trying to single anyone out, but I've even seen it on this forum, threads titled "my horse won't stop, what bit should I try". Although it would be ideal for every new horse owner to have their own trainer/instructor, this is not the case.

Here are some quotes from the article that I feel after reading through your first post, you may have overlooked. I am not trying to be snippy, I just wanted to show you that he isn't bashing just the tom thumb and he knows the problems stem from inexperienced riders too!

"In just about every case, when I've been asked to help someone overcome an unresponsiveness problem in their horse, the problem has usually stemmed from the use of a Tom Thumb snaffle, or some other type of long-shanked snaffle bit. However, that is not always the only cause of the problem. Very often the use of one of these bits is coupled with the person's inexperience in working with problem horses in general, and is made worse by their inabiliity to recognize that a problem even exists."

"It is not meant to imply that the use of one of these bits is the only cause of unresponsive behavior in horses, or that the Tom Thumb is the only type of bit that will cause it. After all, any kind of bit in the hands of a unknowing or uncaring rider can easily be transformed into a weapon."

"If you are currently using a Tom Thumb snaffle or any other type of similar bit and you are happy with the way your horse is responding, then by all means, don't switch it."

Well I would love to keep all of my horses in a snaffle but seeing as I show... its not possible. So if you don't show then by all means stay in a snaffle but I am looking at it from a show person perspective. I did not call you naive I asked what reason you have for not using it... because unless you are naive enough to misuse it then I see no problem with it. If you are not planning to show then stay in a snaffle... theres no problem with that. But people who show have to move up to a curb eventually.

As for the unresponsive comment... if your horse is unresponsive you should be going to the snaffle and working on listening to legs and seat then go back and put the curb back in. Responsiveness is not all about the horses mouth.

[gallop3337]

As for the unresponsive comment... if your horse is unresponsive you should be going to the snaffle and working on listening to legs and seat then go back and put the curb back in. Responsiveness is not all about the horses mouth.

I think that is what he is getting at.


I meant to state that I don't show (except for fun shows) and so I really don't need to move into a curb. I understand that you have to.

[3WishesDun]

I understand the old adage... there are no bad bits, just bad hands. But I still find the TT to be a top heavy, unbalanced bit because of the short straight shanks and the curb strap loop behind the headstall loop. I like shanks that are more swept back and a single loop for the headstall and curb strap. I also prefer the 3 piece broken mouth design.
Like this--

[Kitari]

I think what als attributes to confusion is that alot f bits are called TT bits, when due to the design, shape, and usage, they arnt