Mattias is a double-jointed sweet iron bit with a special lockup function. The mouthpiece has a tongue relief but locks upwards, which can be good for horses with a low palate and sensitive bars who still prefers a tongue relief.
The bit doesn't lock forward like a normal lockup bit, which means that you won't get the stiff feeling of a straight bit.
The joints are rotated away from the tongue, which gives a more gentle, smooth pressure on the tongue. This can be good for horses that can overreact when you take the reins and need to keep the consistent contact through every movement.
A bit with tongue relief suits horses with large, sensitive tongues who can open their mouths, pull the reins, and play with their tongues.
Material
Sweet iron is a covering on top of a bit made of stainless steel. The purpose is to disguise the metal taste from stainless steel and create a pleasant, sweet taste, encouraging the horse to seek more contact and hold on to the bit. Following use, sweet iron will start to oxidize and turn brownish grey, this is to be expected.
Sweet iron is a good choice for horses who need to seek more contact with the bit.
Baucher
Baucher gives a stable, framed feeling. This sidepiece is designed to keep the mouthpiece steady. Baucher is to prefer if you have problems with wounds in the corners of the mouth or wears on the premolars (P2). The Baucher will reveal these places from constant pressure and help the horse to relax and come down/forward to the bit, keeping the horse stable and framed.
Please note, horses who are wide over the premolars/teeth may need to size up in this bit due to the upper shanks. This is because the sidepiece of the bridle is attached to the upper shank of the bit, which is placed higher up where some horses are wider than others.
