Baucher Bits

Buy Baucher bit at Picadera

The Baucher bit is currently experiencing a real renaissance and, thanks to its special properties, is becoming increasingly popular with riders of the baroque, Iberian and classical English riding styles. Picadera offers a wide range of Baucher bits made from different materials, such as durable stainless steel, gold-coloured brass, nickel-free Sweet Copper or chic, black burnished Sweet Iron. The Baucher bit is also available with different mouthpieces. Picadera offers both single and double-jointed mouthpieces, as well as bar mouthpieces with and without tongue clearance. 

Baucher Bridle & Baucher Bar

Baucher bits with a single-jointed mouthpiece have a joint in the middle that forms a triangle with the tongue when the reins are pulled. This means that it acts via the edges of the tongue on the lower jaw and in the area of the corners of the mouth, as it is raised when the reins are pulled.

As the name suggests, the bar bit consists of an unbroken, continuous mouthpiece in the shape of a bar. Unlike a single or double-broken bit, it does not only act on the edges of the tongue, but across the entire width of the tongue. This creates even pressure when the reins are pulled. As a result, the bar bit also lies very quietly in the horse's mouth. Bars with a small tongue clearance relieve the pressure on the middle of the tongue.

Structure of the Baucher dentition

Due to the special design of the Baucher bit, even the single-jointed mouthpiece does not sag downwards. The upper bar, above the ring for fastening the reins, ensures that the bit hangs straight down on the cheek pieces. This means that the mouthpiece can only move minimally towards the incisors, even when chewing. This means that the broken Baucher bit behaves similarly to a bar in the horse's mouth.

In Baucher bits with English-style side pieces, the mouthpiece is connected to the side pieces via a small “olive”. This means that the side piece can only be swiveled inwards and outwards and the mouthpiece lies very quietly in the horse’s mouth.

The traditional Spanish Baucher side pieces are flat. The mouthpiece has a small amount of vertical play, similar to a pump curb bit, which allows it to slide along the side pieces. When the reins are pulled, there is a minimal time delay before the bit takes effect. The Baucher bit therefore has a less direct effect. The movable mouthpiece also encourages the horse to relax its jaw, as it can be positioned slightly in the mouth, which can have a positive effect on the entire musculoskeletal system. 

Why the Baucher bit has no leverage

The side parts of the Baucher bit are B-shaped. The mouthpiece lies particularly quietly in the mouth because it is attached to the bridle via the short upper bars. This means that the side parts lie close to the corner of the mouth. This fastening also allows for lateral adjustment. 

The structure of the Baucher bit and the associated prevention of the bit sagging ensures a more stable position in the horse's mouth. This property can have a positive effect on the well-being of particularly mouthy horses and horses with a short mouth gap.

The belief that the Baucher bit has a leverage effect is incorrect. The bit is attached to the cheek piece of the bridle via the upper bar. In order to create a leverage effect, you would need a lower bar that acts as a counteracting element in conjunction with a chin chain. However, this is not found in the Baucher bit, which is why no leverage effect can be created. The bit therefore does not act on the poll. 

The correct fit of the Baucher bit

In order to achieve the optimal effect of the Baucher bit, the correct fit is important. Since the bit has solid side parts, it is important to ensure that it sits close to the corners of the mouth. This is the only way the rein aids can be correctly transmitted to the bit via the rider's hand and a targeted execution can be guaranteed. To protect the corners of the mouth from irritation, it is recommended to use bit discs. These are only a few millimeters thick and form a protective barrier between the side part and the corner of the mouth. They have no effect on the effect of the bit. 

The Baucher bit is more stable and sits more quietly in the mouth than a conventional single-jointed snaffle. It works through the corners of the horse's mouth and has no leverage. The Baucher bit can also be used as a snaffle in combination with a curb bit, as the Baucher snaffle does not sag downwards, thus minimizing the risk of the two mouthpieces colliding with each other.