Bestsellers
Hanging Cheek Snaffles for a Steady, Quiet Contact | Emmers Equestrian
A Baucher bit, also called a hanging cheek snaffle, has a small upper ring that attaches to the cheekpiece of the bridle. Because the mouthpiece hangs from that ring, it stays very still and stable in your horse’s mouth, instead of moving around with every movement of the reins. That makes the Baucher a popular choice for horses that fuss with the bit, young horses learning to accept the contact, and riders looking for a quiet, consistent connection in dressage and jumping.
Our Baucher bits
We stock Baucher bits from trusted bit specialists TRUST, BR, and Feeling, with a mouthpiece for every horse: Single jointed: a classic, simple action, such as the Feeling Baucher Snaffle and the BR Soft Contact.
Double jointed: a central link that follows the shape of the mouth and spreads pressure more evenly over the tongue, such as the BR Soft Contact Double Jointed and TRUST Sweet Iron Double Jointed.
Anatomic: a curved mouthpiece that leaves more room for the tongue, such as the Feeling Anatomic Baucher.
Waterford: a flexible mouthpiece made of linked balls, which makes it harder for the horse to lean on or grab the bit.
Sweet iron or stainless steel?
TRUST’s sweet iron Baucher bits oxidize slightly in use, giving them a sweet taste that encourages salivation and a soft, wet mouth. Stainless steel bits are durable, easy to clean, and keep their shine. Both are available in widths from 9.5 to 14.5 cm and thicknesses from 12 to 17 mm.
Not sure which bit suits your horse? Compare our loose ring, eggbutt, and full cheek snaffles, or browse our bit accessories such as bit guards. You’re also welcome to visit one of our stores for personal advice.
Frequently asked questions
What is a Baucher bit?
A Baucher is a snaffle with a small extra ring above the mouthpiece that attaches to the bridle’s cheekpiece. The mouthpiece “hangs” from this ring, which keeps it steady in the mouth. It’s named after the 19th-century French riding master François Baucher.
What does a Baucher bit do?
It holds the mouthpiece still, so your horse feels a calm, constant contact rather than a bit that moves or rotates. Many horses find this reassuring, which can help them relax their jaw and accept the bit. The fixed cheeks also prevent the bit from pulling through the mouth or pinching the corners of the lips.
Does a Baucher bit put pressure on the poll?
Very little. Although it’s sometimes thought of as a leverage bit, the Baucher works in a very similar way to a regular snaffle. Its main difference is stability, not extra strength.
Is a Baucher bit allowed in dressage competitions?
Baucher bits are generally permitted as a snaffle in dressage competitions, but rules on mouthpieces, thicknesses, and materials vary between federations and levels. Always check your federation’s list of permitted bits before you compete.
What's the difference between single-jointed, double-jointed, and Waterford?
A single-jointed bit has one joint in the middle and a simple, direct action. A double-jointed bit has a central link, which follows the shape of the mouth and spreads pressure more evenly. A Waterford consists of several linked balls, so it’s very flexible and difficult for a horse to lean on.
What size Baucher bit does my horse need?
Measure the width of your horse’s mouth with a bit measure or a piece of string held across the mouth where the bit sits. The mouthpiece should stick out about 0.5 cm on each side. A bit that’s too narrow pinches; one that’s too wide moves too much and can hit the teeth.
Is a thicker bit always milder?
Not necessarily. A thicker bit spreads pressure over a larger area, but many horses have a low palate or fleshy tongue and simply don’t have room for a thick mouthpiece. For those horses, a slightly thinner bit is often more comfortable. Your vet, equine dentist, or a bit specialist can help you check what suits your horse’s mouth.