Turtle Tactio Baucher Fit?

[Nova2000]

After filling out the bit assessment on the Neue Schule website and communicating with one of their product specialists they suggested two bits, one of them being the Turtle Tactio Baucher. So far he seems to accept the mouthpiece which has been a Godsend for Mr. Fussbuckets. But, I’m curious about the length of the arms of the Baucher. They are longer on this bit than any Baucher I’ve ever used. They end right at the nose band, wondering if this could be an issue? Also when he chews the bit the arms swing out pretty wide away from his face. Anyone else have any experience with this bit? Now I’m wondering if maybe I should’ve gone with the eggbut, but those rings look huge on his little head too.

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[CanteringCarrot]

The whole bit just looks too big and not right.

What you could do is look at Eggbutt bradoons to use as your bit. The rings are a hit smaller so not so overwhelming on a more fine and/or smaller head.

I’ve also noticed that ring size can vary by brand.

[Nova2000]

They don’t unfortunately make a bridoon version in this except the loose ring. Finding this horse a bit has definitely been a journey, so the fact that he likes the mouthpiece so far is a blessing. He doesn’t go as well in a loose ring. I’m wondering if I should take it up another hole. I even wondered if I could take it to a custom metalworker and have those arms shortened! I have reached back out to Neue Schule also and am awaiting a reply.

[mlb722]

My Anglo arab has a short mouth like yours. Bits fit her really strangely. I have a neue Schule curb for a double and it just never seemed to fit correctly even though the mouth width is fine. I had the best luck with a stubben ez control D. The tactio loose ring rubbed her too.
Toklat makes a French link baucher that fit her well and I used it as a bradoon (though now they are not legal for a double). The arms are definitely shorter than this bit.
Here it is

Toklat French Link Baucher - 14 mm

[Nova2000]

I didn’t think French link was legal for dressage anymore? Also he wasn’t great in a French link.

[Posting_Trot]

I have a Turtle Tactio loose ring, and the bit has been great for my horse. She is probably the opposite of yours–she can’t seem to stand any kind of a fixed ring bit. But the mouthpiece of Turtle Tactio is far and away the one she’s liked the most.

I think that you should try taking the bit up one hole on the bridle’s cheek pieces.

The other thing you could try is to email the customer service at NS bits, and see if they can make a comment on your picture about what you should do.

[Nova2000]

@Posting_Trot

The other thing you could try is to email the customer service at NS bits, and see if they can make a comment on your picture about what you should do.

I have sent them the same pictures, awaiting a reply!

[blue_heron]

Agree to take the bit up 1-2 holes. I don’t think the length is much of a problem, but the fact that they swing away from his face like that is weird. I’ve never seen that except on a bit that was 2 sizes too small.

[Nova2000]

I tried to take it up this morning, and it was way too tight when I did that. It sort of pulled his cheeks up and in if I did that This adorable horse and his dumb weird head

[Nova2000]

Here is the response from Neue Schule

“Thank you for getting in touch with the Neue Schule Team. The arms of the
Turtle Bauchers are longer and angled to protect the working angle of the
bit design- they do function in the same way as a standard Baucher cheek
would. Don’t worry about the arms sitting over the noseband too much, as
long as they aren’t catching or causing discomfort. Regarding the arms
swinging away, this may happen as he grasps the bit whilst stood, but when a
rein contact is taken this should not happen.

If this does happen with a rein contact, please send us photos.”

So, I guess I will be watching my horse’s face the next couple of days as I ride, as I’m not actually sure what it’s doing with the arms as I ride. The bit frustration continues!

[mlb722]

French link is legal.