{"product_id":"shires-blue-sweet-iron-tom-thumb-with-roller","title":"Shires Tom Thumb Horse Bit with Roller - Blue Sweet Iron Mouthpiece to Promote Salivation and Relaxation","description":"\u003ch2\u003ePrecision and Focus for the Fussy-Mouthed Horse\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf your horse gets a bit heavy on the forehand or spends more time playing with the bit than listening to your aids, the Shires Blue Sweet Iron Tom Thumb With Roller is designed to bring back that missing connection. We know how frustrating it is to feel like you're losing steering in the middle of a course, and this bit offers the perfect blend of mild leverage and mouth-soothing action.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe secret lies in the blue sweet iron mouthpiece. As you ride, the metal naturally oxidizes, creating a sweet taste that encourages salivation and a softer, more relaxed jaw. Combined with the shorter 'Tom Thumb' cheeks, it’s an excellent tool for riders who need a bit more 'brakes' and lift without moving to a harsh, long-shanked bit.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eKey Benefits\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEncourages Better Acceptance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The blue sweet iron mouthpiece oxidizes on contact with moisture, creating a pleasant taste that promotes salivation and a more responsive, relaxed mouth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eQuiets Fussy Mouths:\u003c\/strong\u003e Integrated brass rollers provide a focused 'fidget' point for horses that tend to play with their tongues, keeping them concentrated on your signals.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProvides Gentle Lift:\u003c\/strong\u003e The Tom Thumb cheeks act as short shanks, offering mild poll pressure and a lifting effect that helps rebalance horses that lean on the forehand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eReduces Nutcracker Pressure:\u003c\/strong\u003e The multi-jointed roller design allows the bit to contour naturally over the tongue, providing relief for horses with lower palates compared to single-jointed bits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBuilt for Precision:\u003c\/strong\u003e With a relatively thin 12mm-14mm mouthpiece, this bit offers refined communication, making it a go-to for jumping, eventing, and hacking.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Jumping or Eventing Rider\u003c\/strong\u003e looking for \u003cstrong\u003erefined control and a way to settle a busy-mouthed horse without sacrificing softness.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: Why is the mouthpiece turning brown or rusty?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eDon't worry—that's exactly what it's supposed to do! The Shires Blue Sweet Iron Tom Thumb With Roller is designed to oxidize, which creates the sweet taste horses love and encourages better bit acceptance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: Is this bit suitable for a horse with a low palate?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, the multi-jointed center with the brass roller allows the bit to curve over the tongue rather than poking the roof of the mouth, making it much more comfortable for horses with limited space.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Number\/SKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e 63384.5\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shires","offers":[{"title":"4.5","offer_id":48013286736093,"sku":"63384.5","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5","offer_id":48013286768861,"sku":"63385","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5.5","offer_id":48013286801629,"sku":"63385.5","price":59.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/8748\/7965\/files\/shires-tom-thumb-horse-bit-with-roller-blue-sweet-iron-mouthpiece-to-promote-salivation-and-relaxation-63384-5.webp?v=1781060611","url":"https:\/\/hoovesandpaws.com\/products\/shires-blue-sweet-iron-tom-thumb-with-roller","provider":"Hooves and Paws","version":"1.0","type":"link"}