The Tom Thumb is similar to the Ring bits or Dutch Gags and introduces poll pressure as well creating leverage on the mouthpiece. The main difference however is that instead of the additional rings at the bottom it has an extended shank with a ring on the end, this shank is bent and set to run at 45° the effect this has is to ease up the poll pressure and leverage on the mouthpiece.The Happy Tongue is a solid mouth piece. It is curved and ported to give tongue relief. The Happy Tongue would be a good place to start if your horse is:Shaking its headSticking its tongue outSucking its tongue back and as a result making an intermittent coughing noiseTrying to put its tongue over the bitGoing behind the bit to avoid the contactSnatching the reins forward and downThe rider will know immediately if this is the correct bit, as a horse with a sensitive tongue will finally begin to work into, and accept the contact. Changing the cheekpieces would then allow the rider to adjust the level of control.
