Please help me with my bit options!

Thanks in advance for taking a peek at this! I've read a few other posts about bits, and the general consensus that I've read is that the Tom Thumb bit is cruel?
This is the bit that I bought today, I haven't put it on him yet, but some of the posts I'm reading are making me wonder whether I should just return it. I thought it was a snaffle, but I just learned that snaffles don't have shanks? I did the arm thing (where I put it on my forearm and twist it) and it does in fact pinch me when I'm simulating the rein movement. But wouldn't this be the case with any snaffle bit since it's broken in the middle?
The previous owner said that a snaffle should suffice on Benny since he responds quite willingly to minimal pressure (I experienced this myself with a curbed bit). Do horses respond to O-ring snaffles? The lady at the tack shop today said they're mostly used for young horses, not ones that are broke to ride. I'm confused and definitely don't want to be using anything on him that causes him pain or is unnecessarily harsh! Just looking at the tag on the bit now, it says colt bit???? Did she sell me the wrong type of bit? The dimensions are 5" snaffle mouth and 6" cheeks. Benny is a big boy! All I'm looking for is something large enough to accommodate his wide mouth, and something gentle. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you again!!!

Please watch this video:


I'm not sure what type of riding you do, but you said your horse responds to minimal pressure. I ride my mare in this:



http://www.saddleworldmaddington.com...itStandard.jpg


And I would also recommend this bit:

http://www.trackright.co.uk/acatalog...aightsmall.jpg

The gentler, the better!

I'm just WOW! That's one of the most stupid things I ever heard (I'm referring to (supposed to know what you sell) lady). What about English horses? They go in snaffles all the time. And even lots of western riders use snaffles. Do you show so you need the shanked bit? If not then just stick with the snaffle (O-ring (Dover Saddlery | AlBaCon French Link Loose Ring Snaffle Bit .), or eggbutt (Dover Saddlery | AlBaCon French Link Eggbutt Snaffle Bit .), or D-ring).

Look at this thread Bit Information (Snaffle and English-Type Bits) for more information and some discussions on different bits.

Thank you ladies! No, I'm not showing so I don't need any type of bit in particular :) I just need something that's functional and easy on his mouth. Thanks so much much for your input, I'm going to exchange this one for an O-ring type bit and see how we do with it!