How does the Baucher bit work?

We riders all know it - the topic of bits crosses our paths again and again. Because it often takes a lot of time until you finally find the perfect bit. In this blog post, I will go into more detail about the Baucher bit and explain to you how it works in concrete terms. I will also answer the question of whether the Baucher bit has a leverage effect or not.

• The search for the right dentures
• The special feature of the Baucher bite
• Why it has no lever – Function of the abdominal dentition
• The leverage self-test 
• The comparison with snaffle and curb bit
• The Baucher bit – a great solution for many horses
• Video on the effect of the Baucher bit

The search for the right dentures

Finding the right bit is not always easy. Often different bits have to be tried out before the ideal solution is found. Every horse is different. Therefore, horses naturally have many different preferences when it comes to bits. Before you decide on a bit, it is therefore important that you familiarize yourself with the function and effect of the bit. This is the only way to ultimately assess whether it could be the right bit for your horse or not. Anyone who deals with Iberian or Baroque riding will sooner or later become aware of the Baucher bit. It is also known as a filli snaffle or B-ring bit.

Baucher bits are made of different materials, they are often made of stainless steel or burnished iron (sweet iron). The Baucher bit is also available with different mouthpieces. At Picadera you will find both simply jointed mouthpieces and bar mouthpieces with and without tongue clearance.

The special feature of the Baucher bite

The Baucher bit is fastened to the bridle using the short upper bars. The reins are attached to the lower, larger ring. This fastening means that the Baucher bit is much more stable and therefore sits more quietly in the mouth than other bits. The B-shaped side part also allows for lateral adjustment. Another special feature is that the Baucher bit does not sag downwards, even with a broken mouthpiece, as is the case with a loose ring or full bit.

Here you can see the single-jointed Baucher bit strapped to a snaffle bridle and below, for comparison, a single-jointed loose ring bit on the same bridle:

You can clearly see in the picture that the mouthpiece of the loose ring bit has a clear downward tendency, i.e. towards the horse's incisors. With a loose ring bit, the horse has more options to play with the bit and position the mouthpiece along the rings in the mouth. Some horses prefer this variant, others get along better with the mouthpiece of the Baucher bit, which lies completely straight in the horse's mouth.

Since the Baucher bit does not sag, as you can see in the picture, it has the effect that the bit can only be moved minimally in the direction of the incisors, even when the horse is chewing. The Baucher bit is therefore also suitable for use as a snaffle in combination with a curb bit. Because it sits in the horse's mouth like a bar and does not sag, a collision between the two bits in the mouth can be avoided more easily.

Why it has no lever – Function of the abdominal dentition

In order for the Baucher bit to work properly, like any other bit, the right fit is essential. With the Baucher bit, as with other bits with fixed side pieces, such as the eggbutt or full-joint snaffle, it is important that the bit sits close to the corners of the mouth. This applies to both the Baucher snaffle and the Baucher bar. The correct fit of the bit is necessary so that the side piece can develop its effect and ultimately a mild but targeted influence is possible via the rein aids when riding.

The Baucher bit has a small upper bar but no lower bar and is used without a chin chain. This means that the bit has no leverage, as is known from the curb bit, for example. However, this alleged leverage is often propagated with the Baucher bit. However, in order to achieve leverage or pressure on the horse's neck, you need a second lever arm, a sort of 'opponent'. Since the Baucher bit has no lower bar and the chin chain is also missing, the second lever arm is also missing.

When the reins are pulled, the Baucher bit tilts forward and lifts towards the corner of the mouth. In doing so, it rotates slightly in the cheek pieces, or lifts them up so that the cheek pieces loosen. This effect is an indication that no forces are being diverted to the poll. The effect towards the corner of the mouth can have a slightly straightening effect on many horses.

The leverage self-test 

You can easily check for yourself that the Baucher bit has no effect on the neck. To do this, bridle your horse with a Baucher bit. Now place one hand flat (with the back of the hand facing upwards) under the neck piece. With the other hand, take the reins. You will notice that no pressure is exerted on your hand and therefore also on the horse's neck.

The comparison with snaffle and curb bit

A single-jointed snaffle bit works completely differently to a Baucher snaffle bit. When the reins are pulled, the cheek pieces of the snaffle bit move towards the rider's hand. The horse feels the effect on the bars. The pressure also acts on the lips and lower jaw. The mouthpiece forms a small 'roof' in the horse's mouth and thus relieves the tongue. A curb bit with a chin chain works differently again. This bit has a threefold effect: on the mouth, or more precisely the tongue, on the poll, and on the lower jaw and chin. The mouthpiece forms the pivot point for the upper and lower bars. When the reins are pulled, the cheek pieces tighten and transfer the effect from the mouth towards the poll. At the same time, the chin chain tightens and transfers the pressure towards the lower jaw and chin.

This comparison is intended to illustrate how differently different bits work. I do not want to portray any of the bits discussed here as better or worse, because it is always an individual decision between horse and rider as to which bit is most suitable.

The Baucher bit – a great solution for many horses

In summary, it can be said that the Baucher bit is comparatively more stable and sits more quietly in the mouth than, for example, the single-jointed loose ring snaffle. In addition, it has no leverage or poll effect, but rather works in the corners of the horse's mouth. The Baucher bit is also very suitable as a snaffle, for example in combination with a curb bit, as it does not sag downwards.

I hope I was able to give you a better understanding of the Baucher bit with this article. I would like to stress again at this point that horses are individuals just like us and that in the end the horse decides for itself whether it likes the bit or not. Ultimately, every horse-rider duo has to find out together which bit fits or doesn't fit.

Video on the effect of the Baucher bit

Here you can find the video that goes with this blog post. Among other things, I will show you a comparison of the effect of a Baucher snaffle, a loose ring snaffle and a curb bit on a horse's mouth. So feel free to take a look.

Are you still looking for the right Baucher bit for your horse? At Picadera you will find Baucher bits made of different materials and with different mouthpieces. Here I have put together a small selection of products for you: