How does the Baucher bit work ?

We riders all know it - the topic bit(e) crosses our paths again and again. Because until you have finally found the perfect bit , a lot of time often passes. In this blog post, I will go into more detail about the Baucher Bit and explain to you how it works specifically. I will also answer the question whether the Baucher Bit has a leverage effect or not.

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

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The search for the right bit

Finding the right bit is not always easy. Often different bits have to be tested until the ideal solution is found. Every horse is different. Therefore, there are of course also many different preferences among horses when it comes to the bit . Before you decide on a bit , it is therefore important that you familiarize yourself with the function & mode of action of the bit in advance. Because only in this way can you ultimately assess whether or not it could be the right bit for your own horse. If you are interested in Iberian or Baroque riding, you will sooner or later become aware of the Baucher Bit . It is also called Fillistrense or B-Ring bit .

Baucher Bits are available in various materials, they are often found in stainless steel or burnished iron (Sweet Iron). In addition, there is the Baucher Bit with different mouthpieces. At Picadera you will find both single broken mouthpieces, as well as bar mouthpieces with and without port.

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The special feature of the abdominal dentition

The buckling of the belly bit to the bridle is done via the short upper trees. The reins are attached to the lower, larger ring. This buckling has the effect on the one hand that the Baucher Bit is much more stable and therefore also calmer than other bits in the mouth. In addition, the b-shaped side piece offers a lateral positioning option. Another special feature is that the Baucher Bit does not sag downwards even with a broken mouthpiece , as is the case, for example, with the loose ring snaffle bit or full cheek snaffle bit .

Here you see the single broken Baucher bit buckled to a snaffle and below in comparison a single broken loose ring snaffle bit on the same bridle:

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You can clearly see in the picture that the mouthpiece of the Snaffle Bit has a clear downward tendency, i.e. towards the horse's incisors. With a Snaffle Bit the horse has more possibilities to play with the bit and to position the mouthpiece along the rings in the mouth. Some horses prefer this variation, others do better with the mouthpiece of the baucher bit, which lies completely straight in the horse's mouth.

Since the Baucher Bit, as you can see in the picture, does not sag, it has the effect that the bit can be moved only minimally in the direction of the incisors, even if the horse chews. The Baucher Bit is therefore also suitable for use as a bradoon in combination with a curb bit. Because it lies rod-like and without sagging in the horse's mouth, a collision of the two bits in the mouth can be more easily avoided.

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Why it has no lever - function of the abdominal bit

In order for the Baucher Bit, like any other bit , to work properly, the correct fit is essential first. With the Baucher Bit , as with other bits with fixed sides, for example the olive head or full cheek snaffle bit, it is important that the bit sits close to the corners of the mouth. This applies to both the Jointed Baucher Bit and the Ported Baucher Bit. The correct fit of the bit is necessary so that the side piece can develop its mode of action and ultimately a mild but targeted influence via the rein aids is possible when riding.

The Baucher bit has a small upper tree but no lower tree and is used without curb chain . This means that the bit has no leverage, as is known, for example, from the curb. At Baucher Bit this alleged leverage is nevertheless often propagated. However, in order to achieve a leverage effect or pressure on the horse's neck, you need a second lever arm, a 'counterpart' so to speak. Since the Baucher Bit has no lower tree and the curb chain is also missing, said second lever arm is also missing.

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When the reins are tightened, the Baucher Bit tilts forward and lifts toward the corner of the mouth. Thereby it turns a little bit in the cheek pieces, respectively lifts them with it, so that the cheek pieces loosens. This effect is an indication that no forces are transferred to the nape of the neck. The effect in the direction of the corner of the mouth can have a somewhat straightening effect on many horses.

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The leverage self-test 

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

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The comparison with loose ring snaffle bit and curb

A single broken loose ring snaffle bit acts quite differently from the Jointed Baucher Bit. When the reins are tightened, the cheek pieces of the loose ring snaffle bit move in the direction of the rider's or the rider's hand. The horse feels the effect at the loads. The pressure also acts on the lips as well as the lower jaw. The mouthpiece forms a small 'roof' in the horse's mouth and thus relieves the tongue. A curb bit with curb chain has a different effect. This bit has a triple effect: on the mouth, or more precisely the tongue, on the neck and on the lower jaw and chin. The mouthpiece forms the pivot point for the upper and lower tree. When the reins are tightened, the cheek pieces tightens and diverts the action away from the mouth towards the nape of the neck. At the same time, the curb chain tightens and redirects pressure toward the lower jaw and chin.

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

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The Baucher Bit - a great solution for many horses

In summary, it can be said that the Baucher Bit is comparatively more stable and calmer in the mouth than, for example, the single broken loose ring snaffle bit. In addition, it does not have a lever or neck effect, but rather acts in the corners of the horse's mouth. The belly bit is also very well suited as bradoon, for example in combination with a curb bit, because it does not sag downward.

I hope I could bring you with this contribution the Baucher Bit something closer. I would like to emphasize here again that horses are of course just like us individuals and the horse decides in the end itself whether it likes the bit or not. Ultimately, each horse-rider duo must find out together which bit fits or does not fit.

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Video on the effect of the abdominal bite

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

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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: