A hanging cheek snaffle, also sold as a Baucher or filet Baucher, has the mouthpiece fixed to a short upright arm. The bridle cheekpiece buckles to a small ring at the top of that arm and the rein goes on a ring level with the mouthpiece. The bit hangs from the bridle instead of resting on the rein.
What it does. It is one of the stillest snaffles you can buy. Held by the cheekpiece, the mouthpiece does not drop onto the tongue when the rein goes slack or swing about when the contact changes. When you take up the rein, the mouthpiece lifts slightly, so it is carried in the mouth rather than pressed down into it. Horses that are sensitive across the tongue often settle quickly.
Whether it adds any poll pressure is argued over, and the makers disagree: some describe a slight effect, others none. Either way, it is small next to a Pelham or a universal. For most riders it is simply a snaffle that keeps very still, and many are dressage legal.
Who it suits. The obvious candidate is the horse that fusses with a bit that moves. Young horses often go kindly in one too, because the bit stays exactly where they last found it. It is less useful for a horse that leans, and a loose ring is usually the better answer there. For a fixed bit that rests on the rein instead of hanging from the bridle, compare an eggbutt.
Mouthpieces. You will find single and double jointed, mullen and ported mouthpieces on this cheek, plus a Waterford for the horse that takes hold. Our article what is a hanging cheek bit used for? goes through the options.
Measuring. Measure the mouthpiece between the inside of the two cheeks on a bit that fits, or mark a length of dowel at the lip corners. Because the cheek is fixed, it can sit close to the lips without squeezing them.
Fitting. The height is set entirely by the cheekpieces, so take time over it. Too high and it pulls the lip corners up; too low and it can knock the teeth. Aim for half to one wrinkle at the corners, and check the top rings sit clear of the face without pressing in.
Most metal hanging cheeks can be taken on our 30 day trial; non-metal versions are sold outright. For sizing help, ring 01405 861800.
It holds the mouthpiece very still and slightly lifted in the mouth. It suits a horse that fusses with a moving bit or is sensitive to pressure on the tongue, and young horses often settle in one.
Makers disagree. Some describe slight poll pressure, others say it has none. Either way, the effect is modest compared with a Pelham or universal, and for most purposes it rides as a snaffle.
Yes. Baucher, filet Baucher and hanging cheek are names for the same design, a snaffle hung from a small ring above the mouthpiece.
The hanging cheek itself is permitted by British Dressage (the Fager loose ring Baucher is an exception), so it comes down to the mouthpiece. Check the current British Dressage Tack and Equipment Guide for the exact bit, and look for the British Dressage legal label on the product page.
Not sure of the width? How to measure a horse bit