Finding a mild curb bit for showing
Today’s horse training question comes from Sydney: “I am finishing my mare who is my first horse I have “trained” My other trainer was helping me but isn’t around anymore to help me. This year for shows I have to use a curb bit and im not sure what type of curb to start out with. I saw my friend useing a tom Thumb for the second time on her colt at a show and I heard that was harsh on a horss mouth but heard I should start out with that. Help!
Hi Sydney! Congratulations on training your horse to a level where you are showing. I think a tom thumb would be a fine bit to use, especially if you can find one with a thicker mouthpiece (the thinner the mouthpiece the harsher the bit is). I believe that the harshness of any bit is determined more by the rider’s hands than the bit itself. So, just be very aware that you have more bit in your horse’s mouth and use your hands very lightly.
Thank you for your question, and good luck at the shows!
