English Horse Bits
JP Korsteel bits curve the mouthpiece to give your horse's tongue room and ease the nutcracker squeeze of a straight joint, so he can relax, mouth the bit and listen to your hands.
By the Tack of the Day Product Team · Updated November 2026
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Copper encourages salivation and a relaxed mouth, and JP Korsteel pairs it with the curve in oval links, French links and ball links.
Copper-mouth JP Korsteel snaffles
Copper links that encourage salivation
The JP Korsteel Edit
Below: the curved mouthpiece, cheek styles, copper, blue steel and rubber mouths, pelhams and the Dutch gag, how to size a bit, and who should look at a different bit.
The curve
JP Korsteel curved bits follow the shape of the horse's mouth, and that is the whole idea behind the line. The Curved Hunter Dee Ring Snaffle Bit takes a classic hunter bit and adds an ergonomic curve. The line was developed by Australian trainer John Patterson, and the descriptions say the curve reduces the nutcracker action of a straight jointed bar, eases pressure on the tongue and bars, and keeps the mouthpiece from touching the roof of the mouth. The Curved French Link Eggbutt Snaffle Bit and the Curved Dr Bristol Hunter Dee Ring Snaffle Bit use a multi-link center for horses with less palate clearance, and the Curved Slow Twist Eggbutt Snaffle Bit adds a little extra control for a stronger horse. Look elsewhere if your horse goes happily in a plain straight bar and you only need a spare; the curve matters most when he leans, fusses or tosses his head.
Browse the curved range:
Curved JP Korsteel bits
Curves that follow the horse's mouth
The cheeks
Eggbutt, loose ring and hunter dee JP Korsteel snaffles differ mainly in how the cheek behaves, so pick the cheek before the mouthpiece. The Stainless Steel Oval Link Eggbutt Snaffle Bit has eggbutt cheekpieces that reduce the risk of pinching, and the Stainless Steel French Link Full Cheek Eggbutt Snaffle Bit adds fixed cheeks for a clearer sense of direction. The Stainless Steel Jointed Loose Ring Snaffle Bit has rings that move on the mouthpiece, which the description says discourages a horse from fixing and leaning on the bit. Hunter dees, such as the Stainless Steel Oval Link Hunter Dee Ring Snaffle Bit, sit between the two, with large dee cheeks that offer some directional support. Look elsewhere if your horse is a fussy mouther; a loose ring's movement can add to the fidgeting, and an eggbutt will sit steadier.
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The metals
Copper, blue steel and rubber JP Korsteel mouthpieces are three ways to coax a horse to mouth the bit and relax his jaw. Copper links, as in the Stainless Steel Copper Oval Link Eggbutt Snaffle Bit, are described as encouraging salivation and acceptance. The Blue Steel Jointed Eggbutt Snaffle Bit has a blue steel finish that the description says works much like a copper mouth, with a taste most horses accept. The Rubber Mouth Jointed Dee Ring Snaffle Bit is the mild choice, described as good for young horses or inexperienced riders. Stainless steel with a plain finish, such as the Stainless Steel Heavyweight 19Mm Solid Eggbutt Snaffle Bit, suits a horse that wants steady contact; the heavier weight is described as quieter in the mouth. Look elsewhere if your horse already mouths a bit constantly; a plain steel mouth may sit calmer than copper.
Browse by mouthpiece:
Blue steel JP Korsteel bits
Blue steel with a taste horses accept
More control
JP Korsteel pelhams and a Dutch gag add leverage for a strong horse while keeping the curved mouthpiece. The Curved Jointed Pelham Bit offers direct action on the bars and tongue and indirect action on the poll, and the description says it is favored for cross country and stadium phases. The Curved Tom Thumb Pelham Bit has a short shank, an attached curb chain, and is built for two reins or a single rein with a bit converter, sold separately. The Curved Jointed 3 Ring Dutch Gag Bit offers adjustable curb control depending on which ring the reins sit in, and the Stainless Steel Jointed Slotted Ring Kimblewick Bit gives two rein positions, snaffle or curb, and is meant to be used with a curb chain. Look elsewhere if you are still working on a soft, consistent contact; a plain curved snaffle is a gentler place to start than any leverage bit.
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Sizing
JP Korsteel bits come in sizes from 4 in to 6 in, so measure before you choose. The easiest way is to measure the bit your horse wears now, from the inside of one ring to the inside of the other along the mouthpiece, then confirm it sits snug without pinching at the corners. A bit that is too wide slides and swings, while one that is too narrow pinches. Thickness matters too. The Stainless Steel Heavyweight 19Mm Solid Eggbutt Snaffle Bit lists its 19 mm mouthpiece in its name, and one published chart for the JP Curve French Link Loose Ring Snaffle lists a 2 5/8 in ring, a 1 1/2 in link and a 1/2 in mouthpiece. Look elsewhere if your horse has a very thick tongue or a low palate; a thinner or French link mouthpiece may fit better than a heavyweight bar.
Shop by size in Find Your Fit above, or start here:
Who it suits
JP Korsteel bits suit riders who want a curved, comfort-minded snaffle for a horse that leans, fusses or needs to mouth the bit. Hunter, dressage and everyday riders all reach for the line, and the Stainless Steel Jointed Eggbutt Snaffle Bit is a good place to start. The Stainless Steel Corkscrew Mouth Dee Ring Snaffle Bit is a stronger option; its description calls the corkscrew more severe than a smooth mouthpiece. Look elsewhere if you show under rules that require a particular bit, since you should check your rule book first, or if your horse needs a bit with a lot of leverage for control; a trainer can help you choose. Some product descriptions print the name as Korsteel, and that spelling has its own page. If you cannot find the cheek you want here, browse the Korsteel page too.
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Questions riders ask
Measure the bit your horse wears now, from the inside of one ring to the inside of the other along the mouthpiece, and match that size. JP Korsteel bits run from 4 in to 6 in. If you have no bit to measure, ask your trainer or vet, then use Find Your Fit to browse your size.
Mostly, yes. The line was developed by Australian trainer John Patterson, and some product descriptions print the name as Korsteel or KP Korsteel. Start with the JP Korsteel bits on this page, then visit the Korsteel page if you want to see the rest of the family.
Copper and blue steel are chosen for taste, to encourage salivation and a relaxed mouth, and the descriptions say blue steel works much like copper. Stainless steel is the plain, durable choice. Try one change at a time, and shop the metal your horse seems to want.
Pick the cheek first. Eggbutts reduce pinching, loose rings move in the mouth and discourage leaning, and hunter dees add some steering support. Think about how your horse goes today, then choose the cheek that answers his habit and browse that style above.