Half cheek bits

[~*sugarlump*~]

What are they for and what does the half cheek actually do?

thanks

[ginny!]

i might be been a bit thick but do you mean this or this

[~*sugarlump*~]

The first one

[ginny!]

in which case i have no idea and have been wondering the same thing

[Peaches]

They are used in the same way as a full cheek - they stop the bit pulling through the mouth. I prefer them to full cheeks personally, and I don't like the upper 'spoke' of full cheeks - they seem to get caught so easily and never stay in the bit keeper on the bridle! Although they might not be as effective as the full cheek on a horse that has a knack of sliding the bit, or a rider with really really strong hands (but then I wouldn't be letting them ride the horse anyway )

I could be wrong but I think they were originally/usually used as driving bits but fine to use as a ridden bit too. They are also referred to as spoon bits/snaffles I think.

Wouldn't go for the one in that link though - twisted mouthpieces = ouch!

[Clava]

Originally Posted by ~*sugarlump*~

What are they for and what does the half cheek actually do?

thanks

It applies some pole pressure.

[Peaches]

Originally Posted by Clava

It applies some pole pressure.

I *think* you're thinking of the baucher also known as the hanging cheek (people DO refer to it as a half cheek, but they shouldn't because they're different...!)There is debate over whether the baucher DOES even apply poll pressure

The ones like a normal eggbut but with a straight protrution down over is a spoon or half cheek (name is like full cheek, but only goes down over not up over as well hence half...).

[Clava]

Originally Posted by Peaches

I *think* you're thinking of the baucher also known as the hanging cheek (people DO refer to it as a half cheek, but they shouldn't because they're different...!)There is debate over whether the baucher DOES even apply poll pressure

The ones like a normal eggbut but with a straight protrution down over is a spoon or half cheek (name is like full cheek, but only goes down over not up over as well hence half...).

Have you got a picture? The baucher I'm sure gives poll pressure watching the way it moves when used.

Edit - Don't worry, I googled it for images, they do look odd.

[Fabio's Filly!]

Bit OT but just laughed when i read your thread - reason being we were in the local tack shop a few months ago and stood next to us was a real spoilt little girl with her mum looking at the bits, her mum picked one up and called it the wrong name, the little girl looked at her like she was something she wiped off her shoe, rolled her eyes and said 'for gods sake, its a half cheek mum'. I always think of that with half cheek bits now!

[Peaches]

LOL FF

Clava, it is common belief that the baucher creates poll pressure, but there are many now who believe that a purchase alone does mean that poll pressure is applied, and that it is dependant on where the reins attach in relation to the mouthpiece - in that train of thought, the baucher just stabilises the bit further. I'm not saying this IS how it is, just that it is something *some* (not all ) very well known/professional/experienced horsemen and women have said when I have read about it. Just letting you know - as I say I'm not following either thought nor saying one is correct over the other, I let the horse assess if they like the action or not!