Shires Sweet Iron Copper Tom Thumb

The Shires Sweet Iron Copper Tom Thumb is a popular bit amongst showjumpers, being similar in action to an American gag but without the action of the mouthpiece being raised up in the horse's mouth.

The mouthpiece features copper layers for tongue pressure. The shank of the Sweet Iron Copper Tom Thumb bit gives leverage and encourages the horse to keep his carriage lower as well as providing brakes.

The combination of sweet iron and copper makes the bit very palatable and almost all horses will salivate and soften in response to the taste. The loose ring copper players in the centre give the horse something to think about, and often help to soothe a fussy tongued horse.

Cheek height: 140mm.

Mouthpiece thickness: 14mm. 

• Sweet iron and copper to improve the horses mouthing and softness
• Gives poll pressure to help the horse break at the poll and give the rider more control
• Copper rings often help the horse to settle more in their mouth and lessen the effect of the middle link on the tongue
• Bit strength: moderate
• 14mm mouthpiece, 140mm cheek length
• Cheek height: 140mm
• Mouthpiece thickness: 14mm