- Thickness: 20mm
- Material: Leather
- Cheekpiece Type: Hanging Cheek (Baucher)
- Size Availability: approx. 4.5″ – 5.7″
- USEF Dressage Legal: No
- USEF Eventing Dressage Legal: No
Leather bits are naturally-tanned without the use of toxic chemicals, with a flexible core made of reinforced nylon. The horse’s saliva softens the leather so it conforms to the anatomy of the horse’s mouth. The flexibility in combination with the taste of the leather makes the bit particularly suitable for sensitive horses. Many horses that generally dislike bits often accept leather and can learn to trust the hand of a gentle rider again. The hanging cheek (also known as baucher) is an eggbutt variant where smaller rings are attached on top of the eggbutt rings. The cheekpieces attach to the upper rings, and reins attach to the lower/eggbutt rings. Contrary to popular belief, the hanging cheek does not increase poll pressure and has no leverage effect, making this a relatively gentle bit compared to other designs.
To care for the leather bit, apply olive oil regularly to keep it supple. When placing the bit in the horse’s mouth, ensure that the stitching points forward (toward the opening of the mouth) rather than backward (toward the tongue). Leather mouthpieces are significantly softer than metal mouthpieces, and must be correctly placed in a horse’s interdental space so teeth do not damage the leather. If a horse’s teeth damage the mouthpiece, it is not considered a manufacturing defect.
SIZE INFO:
115mm = 4.5″
125mm = 4.9″
135mm = 5.3″
145mm = 5.7″
