By: Matthew M. Brendal
Alexander the Great was probably the first horseman to be documented using a "round pen" in the legendary training of his horse Bucephalus. I think that there are many people are often confused as to the real purpose of a round pen. A round pen is nothing more than tool with a thousand uses. It can be used with good training techniques or with bad techniques. Yes the round pen is a great tool, but it can also quickly become a torture chamber for the horse in the wrong hands. Dennis Reis has the motto "no dust" when working in a round pen or with a horse a general. He, as do I believe that a bare minimum of movement should be employed in the round pen. My main point being is that the principle use of a round pen is to limit you from chasing after your horse great distances. Your work area is smaller so you can work intimately with your horse. Let’s us discuss some fundamentals of the round pen.
The round pen has no corners for the horse to "hide". It also exploit's the horse’s natural desire to move in a circle. Have you ever noticed when you are in a large paddock or pasture with a horse doesn’t want to be caught. If you walk behind him will eventually start to turn and walk around you in a circle. It has remedial uses to help a horse that has soured. It also can be used with a horse you are just starting. My primary use of round pens with horses involves working with the horse loose at liberty. This helps me work on my communication skills with the horse. When I want to teach a horse to be ridden bridleless this is a safer place because I have some control of how far the horse will go.
In the confines of a round pen a lot of magic can happen between you and your horse. The round pen is a place in which when you remove the halter and lead rope from the horse, the truth of your relationship will almost instantly appear.
The construction of round pens doesn’t always have to be some heavy 6 foot tall duty steel barricade. If you have notice most round pens are made of sturdy metal panels. Some horses may require that much fortification, most will not. Pat Parelli uses only a thin white "tape" about three feet off the ground. Some of his round pens are three foot tall with one wooden top rail. It is important to know which one is right for your horse. Most horses with some proper training will do just fine in a “lite” version of a round pen. Remember it's all about the relationship you develop with the horse not the barrier you use to keep it from running away. Round pens are a great tool. Just remember make it a classroom that is enjoyable to you and your horse. It’s not about tools and equipment that make a great horse it’s all about TLC. Trust, Leadership & Communication.
