which bit would benefit us both?

Okay, heres the deal

I've got a pretty quiet 13 to Thoroughbred which I've own for 6 month and in the past few days I have chosen that I wanted to jump some jumping work with him.

Only thing is, I have no knowledge of his jumping expereince (if any) and I have no idea what he will do over fences. He may be a maniac or even dead quiet...

I work him in all this flatwork in a french eggbutt and he responds very well to it - but when I start jumping I would like a bit that would stay soft in his mouth most of the time (dont wanna ruin his mouth for his flatwork) but be strong if I needed it.

So what bit would benefit us both?
Cheers

If he goes fine on the flat in an egg-butt snaffle there's no reason you shouldn't try him over one or two SMALL fences in it to see how he acts, especially if he's responsive and obedient on the flat.

IMHO if the French link works now, why change it? Wait and see if he needs a stronger bit. Take it slow and make it enjoyeable with small goals that end in success, day by day.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.
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Thanks guys
I will try him over a few small fences in the snaffle

I guess the reason I thought he might need a stronger bit is that I've only ridden jumpers in a dutch gag or D-racing bit.
Don't think I have ever ridden any horse I've jumped in a snaffle - btu I guess there is a first time for everything. =]

I did a little jumping on my paint and qh and just used very same bit (oval mouth). Plenty of jumpers I've seen go in very mild bit. If he's OK with french eggbutt just stick with it.