{"product_id":"shires-tom-thumb-rubber-mouth-pelham-87693","title":"Shires Tom Thumb Rubber Mouth Pelham Horse Bit - Stainless Steel with Soft Rubber Mouthpiece","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAchieve a harmonious connection with your horse using a bit that balances refined control with the gentle feel of a soft rubber mouthpiece. The Shires Tom Thumb Rubber Mouth Pelham is the ultimate solution for sensitive horses that require clear, mild leverage without the harshness of traditional metal bits.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMeticulously engineered for durability and precision, this Pelham features a high-grade stainless steel core wrapped in premium, non-toxic rubber to encourage relaxation and bit acceptance. The \"Tom Thumb\" shorter shank design is specifically calibrated to provide a more direct rein aid, offering a quicker response time and milder leverage that is perfect for ponies, transitioning horses, or those who overreact to the pressure of long-shanked curb bits.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eKey Features \u0026amp; Specifications:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e \n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSoft Rubber Mouthpiece:\u003c\/strong\u003e Minimizes direct metal-to-mouth pressure and provides a warmer, more inviting feel for horses with sensitive bars or those prone to rubbing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eShort \"Tom Thumb\" Shanks:\u003c\/strong\u003e Offers milder leverage and a more immediate response than traditional Pelhams, making it an ideal choice for smaller faces and refined communication.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePremium Stainless Steel Core:\u003c\/strong\u003e Constructed from high-grade steel to ensure maximum strength and long-term resistance to rust and corrosion for years of reliable performance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eVersatile Rein Configuration:\u003c\/strong\u003e Fully compatible with traditional double reins or a bit converter, allowing you to tailor the curb action to your horse's specific training level.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDiscourages Leaning:\u003c\/strong\u003e The textured rubber surface provides a different feel than smooth metal, effectively discouraging horses from leaning on the bit while maintaining soft contact.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOptimized for Ponies \u0026amp; Transitioning:\u003c\/strong\u003e The scaled-down proportions prevent shanks from hitting the chest, making it the top choice for smaller equines and horses moving up from a snaffle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEnhanced Communication:\u003c\/strong\u003e Engineered to foster a clearer dialogue between horse and rider, ensuring your aids are understood without causing unnecessary stress or discomfort.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions:\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: How do I ensure the correct fit given the thickness of the rubber mouthpiece?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: Because the rubber coating adds extra thickness, we recommend measuring from inner ring to inner ring. Many riders find that sizing up by 1\/4\" provides the necessary room to prevent pinching and ensures the ideal \"one-finger\" gap between the horse's lips and the shanks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eQ: Can this bit be used with a single rein for everyday riding?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA: This Pelham is designed for use with either double reins or a bit converter. To use a single rein effectively, you must use a converter to bridge the mouthpiece and shank rings, ensuring the leverage and pressure are balanced correctly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Number\/SKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e 87693STEEL4.5\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shires","offers":[{"title":"4.5\"","offer_id":46598621757661,"sku":"87693STEEL4.5","price":54.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5\"","offer_id":46598621790429,"sku":"87693STEEL5","price":67.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"5.5\"","offer_id":46598621823197,"sku":"87693STEEL5.5","price":67.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"6\"","offer_id":46598621855965,"sku":"87693STEEL6","price":67.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/8748\/7965\/files\/upscaled-1774911585084.webp?v=1774911585","url":"https:\/\/hoovesandpaws.com\/products\/shires-tom-thumb-rubber-mouth-pelham-87693","provider":"Hooves and Paws","version":"1.0","type":"link"}