{"product_id":"shires-western-tom-thumb-with-copper-s-steel","title":"Shires Western Tom Thumb Horse Bit - Copper Mouthpiece \u0026 Stainless Steel Shanks","description":"\u003ch2\u003eRefine Your Cues with the Shires Western Tom Thumb\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eMoving your horse from a snaffle to a curb can feel like a big leap, but the Shires Western Tom Thumb With Copper S\/Steel is designed to make that transition seamless. Whether you’re looking to lighten up a horse that’s getting heavy in the hand or you are ready to start neck reining, this bit offers the perfect balance of leverage and familiarity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eBuilt with a focus on clear communication, this bit combines the classic single-jointed action your horse already knows with short, stainless steel shanks for gentle poll pressure. It is a reliable choice for the ranch or the trail, ensuring your horse stays responsive without the harshness of longer-shanked bits.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eWhy We Love the Shires Tom Thumb\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEncourages a Softer Mouth\u003c\/strong\u003e via the full copper joint, which promotes salivation and keeps your horse relaxed and \"mouthing\" the bit during your ride.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eGentle Leverage Action\u003c\/strong\u003e provided by the short, straight stainless steel shanks, offering just enough poll pressure to refine your cues without being aggressive.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFamiliar Nutcracker Effect\u003c\/strong\u003e through the single-jointed mouthpiece that applies traditional pressure to the bars and tongue, making it an ideal \"bridge\" bit for training.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDurable, Low-Maintenance Design\u003c\/strong\u003e featuring high-quality stainless steel that resists rust and corrosion, ensuring it stands up to the rigors of daily barn life.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eImproved Front-End Lift\u003c\/strong\u003e for horses that tend to lean on the bit, helping them respond to poll pressure and carry themselves with more balance and collection.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eBest For\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTransitioning riders and Western pleasure enthusiasts\u003c\/strong\u003e looking for \u003cstrong\u003ea mild leverage bit to move from two-handed snaffle riding to refined, one-handed cues.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: What size should I choose for my horse?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe Shires Western Tom Thumb comes in 5\" (standard) and 5.5\" (large) widths. We recommend measuring your horse's current bit or using a bit sizer, ensuring you leave about 1\/8\" to 1\/4\" of space on each side to prevent the shanks from pinching the lips.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: Is this bit considered a snaffle or a curb?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile it has a jointed mouthpiece like a snaffle, the addition of shanks makes the Shires Western Tom Thumb With Copper S\/Steel a leverage bit (curb). It is often called a \"transition bit\" because it uses both mouth and poll pressure to communicate.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch4\u003eQ: How high should the bit sit in the horse's mouth?\u003c\/h4\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor a proper fit, adjust your headstall so the bit sits at a height that creates one to two small wrinkles at the corners of the horse's mouth. This ensures the bit is stable and effective without causing discomfort or rubbing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eItem Number\/SKU:\u003c\/strong\u003e 800065\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shires","offers":[{"title":"5","offer_id":48012258574557,"sku":"800065","price":63.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false},{"title":"5.5","offer_id":48012258607325,"sku":"800065.5","price":63.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/8748\/7965\/files\/shires-western-tom-thumb-horse-bit-copper-mouthpiece-stainless-steel-shanks-800065.webp?v=1781041628","url":"https:\/\/hoovesandpaws.com\/products\/shires-western-tom-thumb-with-copper-s-steel","provider":"Hooves and Paws","version":"1.0","type":"link"}