Tom Thumb Snaffle Is A Harsh Bit?

My Arabian mare Jodie being ridden with a Tom Thumb 

People will tell you that a Tom Thumb Snaffle is a very harsh bit because it is a leverage bit. They will tell you because of the broken mouth and the shanks it can be painful for the horse. They will tell you a horse will open their mouth to evade the pressure and pain. All of this is certainly
true, but if you have very soft quiet hands this is not a issue.

For many years people have told me that the Tom Thumb that I use is a harsh and serve bit, but I don't  find that to be true. My gelding Omar never had any issues with his Tom Thumb Snaffle. I switch him to that bit from a curb and rode him Western with that bit for 20 years.  That was the Western bit I chose for both of my Arabian mares that I trained neither one had any issues. I started both mares training with a plain snaffles of course, but transitioned them to the Tom Thumb. When my sister bought her Paso Fino gelding she found he didn't care for the bit he had been ridden with, so we tried the Tom Thumb and he has been happy with that bit for the last 16 years.

Al the Paso Fino being ridden with a Tom Thumb 

You might notice in the photos neither one of the horses are attempting to evade the bit by opening his or her mouth. They have a lovely head set and are collecting  their gaits. Both horses have a pleasant expression on their faces not painful or worried expression.

The truth of the matter is any bit can be harsh in the wrong hands , even the most mild snaffle . The moral of this story is you need to have soft quite hands when you ride and you need to learn how to ride with your seat, legs and hips along with your hands. Remember what counts is what is on the other end of those reins-you.

Mini-Clinics

I have never been one to have 10 or 20 riders in the arena at a training clinic. I prefer working with smaller groups of riders usually between 3 and 7 riders only at my clinics. I realize there are many people out there who will conduct a training clinic with 10 or more riders attending, but that's not how I like to conduct a clinic. For me it is about giving everyone participating in the clinic one on one attention. I  believe less riders in the arena makes it easier for me to elevate each rider and give them the tools to improve their riding skill, build their confidence or assist them in the training of their horse. I also believe that less riders in the arena make for a safer and calmer environment for both horse and rider to learn in. 

I will begin conducting mini-clinics starting in this month. The mini-clinics are limited to 1 to 3 riders and three hours in length. The propose of the mini clinics is to provide personal instruction/training in a clinic setting so riders can receive a more intense learning experience in a shorter time period. They are good for those not ready for an all day clinic, but want more than an hour of instruction or training. These clinics are perfect for some who may not want to committee to weekly lessons, because they can be schedule once or twice a month. 

As always all disciplines, all levels and all breeds are welcome. My goal is to tailor each clinic to the need of both horse and rider. I want my clients to leave with the tools, confidence and knowledge to make their horse the best he can be. 

I  offer these clinics- Western Dressage-Intro To Classical Dressage-Balanced Horsemanship For Trail Riders-Mind Body & Spirit Confidence Building - Crossing Training(Dressage methods of training for all riders). 

Check out my website at www.cherylchildstraining.com

Happy Trails,
Cheryl