Recent studies do suggest that a Baucher (hanging cheek) snaffle can have negative poll pressure, meaning it relieves pressure on the poll rather than increasing it. Here’s a summary:
Hanging cheek snaffles have been found to relieve pressure on the poll.
Research conducted by bit specialist Neue Schule explored the action of different bits to help riders make a more informed choice when buying different cheek types.
One of the study’s most notable discoveries surrounded the hanging cheek snaffle or Baucher bit. Some have argued that the Baucher exerts pressure on the poll, whereas others believe that it alleviates it.
Neue Schule’s researchers found the hanging cheek snaffle does the latter.
“These results actually didn’t surprise us at all because there is no lever in this bit and therefore it cannot apply any poll pressure,” Neue Schule manager of research Caroline Beniost told H&H.
“We actually presented this data at the International Society for Equitation Science in Saumur, France, in June and it was very well received there. We just wanted to end the debate on this one once and for all.”
Extensive tests were carried out by the Neue Schule team using two sensors – one applied to the cheek piece, the other to the rein.
The recorded tension was transmitted to a central computer and a rating was calculated to show how much poll pressure each type of bit created.
“The research culminated in some surprises, as well as reiterating many of our suspicions,” said Heather Hyde, Neue Schule’s founder.
“It will be a great tool to dispel some of the long-standing misconceptions surrounding the action of bits.”
Key Study: Neue Schule’s Poll Pressure Research
- The study “Assessment of Poll Pressure Induced by a Baucher / Hanging Cheek Snaffle” used sensors on reins and cheekpieces to measure forces during canter over multiple runs.
- They found that, under typical rein tensions (around 2–4 kg / ~20–40 N), a Baucher (“hanging cheek”) often produces a poll-relief effect — that is, cheekpiece tension drops below baseline (“pre-tension”), so the net force on the poll is less than merely the bit hanging in the bridle.
- When rein tensions exceed a threshold (e.g. above ~30 N in their setup), cheekpiece tensions approach or slightly exceed the baseline, but not by a large margin. In those high-tension cases, the Baucher does not strongly amplify poll pressure.
- Their published “Poll Pressure Guide” classifies various cheek types by intensity of poll pressure (or relief) over the rein-tension ranges typical in flatwork.
Approximate Ranking (Least → Most Poll Pressure)
Below is a rough ordering of cheek types by their measured or theorized poll pressure, based on the Neue Schule guide and other bit theory sources. Lower on this list = more poll pressure, higher = less or even relief.
| Rank | Cheek Type / Bit Style | Approx Poll Pressure Behavior | Notes / Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (lowest / relief) | Baucher / Hanging Cheek | Poll relief (negative or near zero) in usual tension range | Under moderate rein tension, cheekpiece tension drops below baseline. At very high tension, returns toward baseline. |
| 2 | Loose Ring / Eggbutt / D-Ring / Basic Fixed Cheeks | Minimal poll effect (near zero) | Since the reins act in direct line, little to no leverage on the poll; the bit does not rotate the cheek arms significantly. (These are considered “direct action” bits) |
| 3 | Full Cheek (without keepers) | Slight poll effect (very mild) | Because of extended cheek arms, there is some potential for cheekpiece tension if the bit rotates slightly, but the effect is low. Some guides place full cheek in mild poll category. |
| 4 | Kimblewick / Kimberwick (mild curb action) | Moderate poll pressure | Because rein placement in the slot acts like a curb (mild lever), some poll pressure is introduced. |
| 5 | Gag / Universal bits (3-ring, 4-ring etc.) | Strong poll pressure (high leverage) | These bits leverage the reins below the mouthpiece level, rotating the top cheek/bridle attachment downward, increasing poll load. |
| 6 (highest) | Full lever / curb / shanked bits (e.g. Pelham, Weymouth etc.) | Very strong poll pressure | These are designed to act on the poll (via the crownpiece) as well as chin and mouth via leverage geometry. |
So in summary: the Baucher / hanging cheek is at or near the top (i.e. the mildest) in terms of poll pressure, often relieving pressure rather than adding to it under normal rein tension.
Important Caveats & Considerations
- Rein tension matters a lot: At higher rein tensions than typical flatwork, some cheek types may begin to transmit more poll load or lose their “relief” behaviour (as seen with the Baucher).
- Fit and geometry: Bit height, cheek length, bridle fit, angle of the cheekpiece, mouthpiece type, and how the bit sits all influence how forces are distributed.
- Horse individual variation: Facial geometry, elasticity of tissues, head angle, and responsiveness affect how much of the force is felt at the poll vs. bars, tongue, lips.
- Scope of research: The Neue Schule work focused particularly on the hanging cheek. For many other cheek types, there are fewer rigorous, quantitative measurements; a lot of the “poll pressure” for those is inferred from bit mechanics (leverage, rotational effect) rather than sensor data.
- “Zero” or “relief” doesn’t mean no effect at all — in some transitions, small instantaneous loads may occur even for bits nominally considered “direct action.”