Bombers Tom Thumb Barrel -125mm

The Bombers Tom Thumb Barrel – 125mm is a leverage-style horse bit designed to introduce poll pressure and leverage through the mouthpiece. Its distinctive extended shank is angled at approximately 45°, creating a different action from conventional ring or Dutch gag-style bits.

The Barrel joint is designed to limit the traditional nutcracker action of a jointed bit, helping to distribute contact across a larger area of the tongue while reducing pressure on the bars. It also allows independent action on each rein, providing greater refinement in rein aids.

The Barrel is smaller than the Elliptical design and therefore applies sharper tongue pressure.

A nylon back strap is supplied with the bit.

Important: This is a leverage bit and should be selected and used by a knowledgeable rider or trainer. Correct fitting and appropriate rein use are essential.

Key Features & Benefits

• 125mm mouthpiece – suitable for horses requiring this bit width.
• Tom Thumb cheekpiece – extended, angled shank creates leverage.
• Poll pressure – the cheekpiece introduces poll pressure when the reins are engaged.
• Barrel joint – limits the traditional nutcracker action.
• Distributed tongue contact – the Barrel spreads pressure over a larger tongue area.
• Reduced bar pressure – the joint design is intended to lessen pressure on the bars.
• Independent rein action – each rein can act independently.
• 45° angled shank – distinctive Tom Thumb design moderates the leverage effect.
• Sharper tongue pressure than the Elliptical – due to the smaller Barrel design.
• Nylon back strap included – supplied with the bit.

Cheekpiece

The Tom Thumb cheekpiece features an extended shank with a ring at the end. The shank is bent and positioned at approximately 45°, creating leverage through the mouthpiece and poll pressure when the reins are used.

Bombers also offers the Taylor Tom Thumb cheekpiece, which has a wider diameter than the standard Tom Thumb.

Mouthpiece

The Barrel joint is designed to limit the nutcracker action associated with some jointed bits. This allows pressure to be spread over a larger area of the tongue while reducing pressure on the bars.

The Barrel also provides independent rein action, allowing each side of the mouthpiece to respond separately to the corresponding rein.

Bombers notes that the Barrel produces sharper tongue pressure than its Elliptical design because the Barrel is smaller.

Product Information

Brand: Bombers
Product: Tom Thumb Barrel
Size: 125mm
Cheekpiece: Tom Thumb
Mouthpiece: Barrel joint
Shank angle: Approximately 45°
Included: Nylon back strap
Action: Leverage and poll pressure
Alternative cheekpiece: Taylor Tom Thumb, with wider diameter

FAQs

What is the Bombers Tom Thumb Barrel Bit?
It is a leverage-style horse bit featuring an extended, angled Tom Thumb cheekpiece and Barrel mouthpiece.

Does the Tom Thumb create poll pressure?
Yes. The Tom Thumb cheekpiece is designed to introduce poll pressure and leverage when the reins are engaged.

What does the Barrel joint do?
It limits the nutcracker action and is designed to distribute contact across more of the tongue while reducing pressure on the bars.

Can the reins act independently?
Yes. The Barrel design allows independent action on each rein.

How does the Barrel compare with the Elliptical?
According to Bombers, the Barrel applies sharper tongue pressure than the Elliptical because the Barrel is smaller.

What size is this bit?
This listing is for the 125mm Tom Thumb Barrel.

Is anything included with the bit?
Yes. A nylon back strap is supplied.