Numpty question - thick bit or thin bit?

[CeeBee]

Please can someone explain the pros and cons of thick bits vs thin bits (I am looking at buying a loose ring french link snaffle for my Elephant. Sorry, I mean ID).
Do bit widths vary/suit particular breeds?
For example, I have always assumed the thicker the bit, the kinder it is.
Struggling to ask the question in a sensible manner, so greatful for any replies if you have managed to understand my question!

 

[martlin]

It depends on your elephant's (sorry, ID's) mouth - if he/she has a fleshy tongue and small inside of the mouth, a thinner mouthpiece would be more suitable as it takes up less room.

 

[posie_honey]

what martlin says - its the mouth confo that will determin what bit suits

 

[Happy Hunter]

My Elephant (Sorry Cleveland Bay) gets on well with a French link as the double joint gives her grass hoover (Sorry tounge) plenty of room. - the single joint snaffles end up poking her too much!
I think mine is a fairly standard with - kind of with width of my Thumb - maybe bit bigger.
Depends on what brakes you need - thinner tends to apply different pressures on the tounge and could be seen as 'stronger'

 

[Kat]

Ask your dentist or vet about your horses mouth conformation.

Whether a thick or thin bit is better will depend upon which is better. If he has plenty of room in his mouth then a thick bit will be milder as it exerts less pressure due to the larger surface area. Switching to a thinner one can give a bit more control.

If he doesn't have much room in his mouth due to a small mouth, or a fleshy mouth then he would probably be uncomfortable in a thick bit and would go better in the thinner one even though it is "harsher". If he doesn't have much room for his tongue it might be worth considering a curved mouthpiece to relieve pressure on his tongue too.

 

[Jojo_Ire]

A difficult one....My horse has a pretty standard shaped mouth, but it took us ages to get her bit right (after trying about 9 bits, eventually a hollow mouth loose ring snaffle), and even though its one of the mildest bits around, its the only one she listens to.... Think it really is all about trial and error, and a lot of leg!