Tom Thumb Waterford with Alloy Mouth

The Tom Thumb Waterford with Alloy Mouth is a leverage-style horse bit combining Tom Thumb cheeks with a flexible Waterford mouthpiece and brass alloy to encourage salivation.

The Tom Thumb cheek design provides an uplifting action and additional rein control, making this style particularly suited to showjumping, cross-country and horses that tend to lean on the contact.

The Waterford mouthpiece is made up of multiple rounded links that offer a flexible contact across the horse's mouth. Because of its design, the manufacturer recommends fitting the Waterford ¼–½ inch wider than a standard bit.

The brass alloy mouthpiece is designed to assist with salivation and acceptance of the bit.

Key Features & Benefits

• Tom Thumb cheeks – provide leverage and an uplifting action at the front.
• Waterford mouthpiece – flexible, multi-linked design.
• Additional control and precision – particularly useful where greater rein control is required.
• Uplifting action – can assist with horses that tend to lean on the contact.
• Turning support – the cheeks reinforce turning aids and are designed not to pull through the mouth.
• Brass alloy mouth – assists with salivation.
• Showjumping and cross-country – Tom Thumb cheeks are described by the manufacturer as permitted for these disciplines.
• Recommended wider fitting – Waterford should be fitted approximately ¼–½ inch wider than a standard mouthpiece.

Ideal For

• Showjumping
• Cross-country/eventing
• Horses that tend to lean on the contact
• Riders looking for additional rein control
• Horses where an uplifting action is desired
• Riders wanting a Waterford mouthpiece combined with Tom Thumb cheeks

Action of the Tom Thumb

The Tom Thumb is described as a cross between an American gag and an Elevator-style bit.

Its cheek configuration produces an uplifting action at the front, with poll pressure when the reins are engaged. The cheekpieces also reinforce turning aids.

The manufacturer describes the bit as providing increased control and precision, particularly when jumping and turning tightly.

The supplied manufacturer information specifically describes the first stage of its action as:

1. The action of an extended loose-ring Baucher, producing poll pressure.

Because leverage bits can have a stronger effect depending on rein position, cheekpiece design, fitting and rider hands, correct selection and fitting are important.

Fitting

The Waterford mouthpiece should be worn approximately ¼–½ inch wider than a standard bit.

Correct fitting is particularly important with a Waterford mouthpiece because its multiple-link construction is designed to move with the horse's mouth.

The bit should be selected and fitted according to the manufacturer's recommendations, with professional assistance where necessary.

FAQs

What is a Tom Thumb Waterford bit?

It combines Tom Thumb leverage cheeks with a flexible Waterford mouthpiece. The design provides an uplifting action and additional rein control.

What is the Tom Thumb used for?

It is commonly used for jumping disciplines and for horses that tend to lean on the contact, where the rider requires additional control and precision.

What is the action of the Tom Thumb?

The cheek design provides an uplifting action and poll pressure when the reins are engaged. The manufacturer describes it as a cross between an American gag and an Elevator.

How should the Waterford be fitted?

The manufacturer recommends fitting the Waterford ¼–½ inch wider than a standard bit.

Does the alloy mouthpiece encourage salivation?

The brass alloy is intended to assist with salivation.

Is the Tom Thumb allowed for showjumping and eventing?

The supplied manufacturer information states that Tom Thumb cheeks are allowed for Showjumping and Eventing. Competition rules can change, so riders should always check the current rules of their governing body and specific competition.

Is this bit suitable for every horse?

No. Bit choice depends on the individual horse's mouth conformation, way of going, training and the rider's hands. A suitably qualified bit fitter or experienced equestrian professional can help with selection and fitting.

Product Information

• Product: Tom Thumb Waterford with Alloy Mouth
• Mouthpiece: Waterford
• Mouthpiece material: Brass alloy
• Cheekpiece: Tom Thumb
• Action: Leverage/uplifting action with poll pressure
• Recommended use: Showjumping, cross-country and horses that tend to lean
• Waterford fitting: ¼–½ inch wider than standard
• Competition: Manufacturer states Tom Thumb cheeks are permitted for Showjumping and Eventing; always verify current rules

Important

This is a leverage-style bit and can produce a stronger rein effect than a conventional snaffle depending on its configuration and use. Correct fitting, appropriate rein setup and experienced riding are important.

Competition legality can vary by governing body, class and rule updates. Always check the current competition rules before competing.