Baucher Bits

A Baucher bit (also called a hanging cheek snaffle) has cheek pieces that fix to the bridle headpiece via a small upper ring, with the rein ring sitting separately below. The cheek pieces hang the bit in the mouth without applying significant leverage, but the fixed-cheek design provides stability and mild poll pressure. It's a popular dressage and flatwork pattern for horses that lean on a loose ring.

A Baucher suits horses that lean on a loose-ring snaffle or that benefit from a more stable bit position in the mouth. Common in dressage and flatwork. The mild poll pressure also encourages the horse to flex at the poll. Many horses transition from a loose ring to a Baucher and stay in it long-term.

Measure mouth width at the corners and pick a bit that sits with about 5mm clear on each side. The hanging cheek design means the rings sit closer to the mouth than a loose-ring snaffle - confirm fit by eye on the bridle.

A loose ring snaffle has rings that move freely through the mouthpiece holes, giving the bit mobility. A Baucher has fixed cheekpieces that hold the bit stable in the mouth, with separate rein rings below. Same mouthpiece options, different cheek mechanics. The Baucher also adds mild poll pressure that the loose ring lacks.

Trust Equestrian covers hanging cheek (Baucher) bits across the Inno Sense flexible synthetic and sweet iron lines, including pony sizes. For specialist Baucher patterns, see specialised bits.

Rinse in warm water after every ride. Stainless steel and sweet iron need nothing beyond rinsing; synthetic mouthpieces clean with a soft brush. The fixed-cheek connection is a wear point - inspect regularly.