Ganasche
As Ganaschen (from the Greek gnathos meaning "jaw" or "Cheek") is referred to in the horse the semi-circular rear portion of the lower jaw , at the rear edge of the masseter muscle cheek formed.
In equestrian sport, a painful pressure with the reins on the parotid gland is called gait compulsion . A too tight position of the ganches makes it difficult or even impossible for the horse to assume the posture required in dressage . Therefore, the width of the ganache (or freedom from ganache) is one of the decisive factors for the suitability of the horse for equestrian sport.