The 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 horses mouth. The shank of the 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.