[X3cuppycakeX3]

I had a palomino filly listed for free to a good home, but after a home fell through and I couldn't get her moved by November, I figured maybe I better start making a new plan.

My 'god daughter' has always been a natural. She could ride my TB at a fast trot with no help at the age of 4. She is now 6/7. She tragically lost her mother last week, and I want to start bringing her back around the horses, as everyone knows how well horses heal pain.

I decided that I am going to start giving her lessons on my show horse, and I am going to start ground training my pony filly {she is a pure QH, but stuck at around 12 hands at 2}. When she is going well, I'm going to have my god daughter help me break her.

What would you recommend I do with her until then to make sure she is sound enough to put my little one on? I am obviously not just going to throw her up there. I don't care HOW long it takes, I'm in no hurry.

I know how to do all of the ground training and such, and this isn't my first project. But it IS my first small pony. How do you get them used to the flapping and weight. I was thinking about doing about twice as much sacking out, and also extra such as getting used to plastic bags on the saddle and such.

Has anyone used sand bags to simulate a childs weight?

Any pony training trips would be amazing. Thank you all, and have an amazing night.