Shires Tom Thumb Rubber Jointed Pelham

Rubber mouthpieces are generally softer and warmer in the horse's mouth, making them an excellent choice for horses with sensitive bars or those who tend to be fussy with metal bits. The material provides a more forgiving feel, which can encourage better acceptance and a more relaxed contact.

The Tom Thumb cheek is a shorter shank design, which offers a quicker response and slightly less leverage than a full-size Pelham shank. It is ideal for riders who need the refined control of a Pelham but want a bit that is less severe and more compact.

While the Pelham design offers leverage that can help with control, the rubber mouthpiece is softer and may not provide the same 'bite' or correction as a metal bit for a horse that leans heavily. If your horse is strong or leans significantly, you might find this bit offers less leverage than you require.

Yes, rubber bits should be inspected regularly for signs of wear, such as chew marks or cracks, which can become rough and uncomfortable for the horse. It is best to rinse the bit after every ride to remove debris and prevent premature degradation of the material.

Yes, this is a true Pelham, meaning it is designed to be used with two sets of reins—a snaffle rein for direct contact and a curb rein for leverage. You will need to attach a curb chain to the hooks to engage the leverage action properly.