Filet Baucher (bitting experts needed!)

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Ashleigh_

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Hi guys,

I've been looking at the French Filet Baucher bit's recently for Ronnie and wondered if anybody had any experience with this particular bit or could suggest something? :)

At the moment i've got Ronnie going in a regular single jointed snaffle but i don't think he suits it really and keeps opening his mouth to evade the bit (even on a loose rein) and he can also get quite strong sometimes and stick his head up like a giraffe (which in turn can make me a littler nervy, i refuse to just shove a flash on him so please don't suggest this). Because he's only 5 i am very keen not to over bit him and ruin his mouth but also want him to be comfortable. I'm thinking the French Filet Baucher would be a good idea for him though since he's got such a large tongue and so i'm wondering if he would be more comfortable in a double jointed snaffle rather than a single? Also the fact it would be attached to his cheek pieces also would maybe make it more comfortable for him if it moved around less and encouraged him to come onto the bit instead? And not to worry this will of course be in addition to some schooling lessons once i've got my photography A2 exam out the way tomorrow! ;)

To be perfectly honest i know very little about bits hence why i'd rather ask you knowledgeable bunch so thankyou in advance! :D :D
 
I'm really pleased that you are not intending to put a flash on him - that's one of my pet hates! You are quite right in thinking that a single jointed bit very often causes horses to open their mouths, because it pokes them in the soft palate. In your position I would hire a few bits from a bit bank (or even possibly your local tack shop). First of all I would try a loose ring french link, if there is improvement in the mouth opening but the head is still in the air, then a filet baucher might be appropriate. If there is no real improvement with the french link, then it would be worth trying a mullen mouthed or low-ported bit. It could also be that your horse would prefer a different material from the normal stainless steel, you could try sweet iron/salox/aurigan/rubber/happy-mouth.
Hope this helps. It can be a nightmare of trial and error. Good luck!
 
Pearlsasinger said:
I'm really pleased that you are not intending to put a flash on him - that's one of my pet hates! You are quite right in thinking that a single jointed bit very often causes horses to open their mouths, because it pokes them in the soft palate. In your position I would hire a few bits from a bit bank (or even possibly your local tack shop). First of all I would try a loose ring french link, if there is improvement in the mouth opening but the head is still in the air, then a filet baucher might be appropriate. If there is no real improvement with the french link, then it would be worth trying a mullen mouthed or low-ported bit. It could also be that your horse would prefer a different material from the normal stainless steel, you could try sweet iron/salox/aurigan/rubber/happy-mouth.
Hope this helps. It can be a nightmare of trial and error. Good luck!
Click to expand...


Thankyou Pearlsasinger! Just needed to confirm i was right in thinking a double joint might be more comfortable, will give them a go from the bit bank and return if necessary! :D
Glad you agree to stay clear of flash nosebands, the thing is if he's opening his mouth and evading then he's obviously trying to tell me something and is uncomfortable, going from there the last thing i want to do is clamp his mouth shut. I'm quite lucky he is a poppet when putting a bridle on and i intend to keep it that way. ;)
 
def try double jointed - ie. neue schule/sprenger type bits and if still opening mouth try a drop noseband - the action of the drop is different to flash - it only works if horse opens mouth and not strapping it shut all the time.
 
Double jointed (french) link Filet Baucher is an excellent bit for a young cobby sort - you've got a bit of poll pressure if he's strong, they sit nice and still in the mouth, and the link gives tongue room.
I have used them with great success - see if you can find the swivelling 'pinchless' link.
 
In my experience, hanging cheek/filet baucher bits are a bit like marmite, horses either love them or hate them.

Is Ronnie the horse in your siggie?

If that is the horse then he probably has a medium to thickish tongue. If the bit doesn't need to be dressage legal, (a french link hanging cheek is dressage legal) I'd pop him in an eggbutt with a small port to make room for his tongue, this would help to make him more comfortable in his mouth and should stop a lot of his behavour before it turns into a habit.
 
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