Horse Round Pen Buyer’s Guide
In the modern horse industry, horse round pens have become one of the most widely used training tools and a must-have for horses. Their versatility enables them to be used for various tasks, from sprinting and training pens to temporary corrals. When planning a horse enclosure, numerous factors need to be considered when choosing a horse round pen, with safety being of utmost importance.
1. Safety Considerations
Connection Systems: Horse round pens come with different connection systems. Chain-link connection panels, commonly used in cattle enclosures, allow 3 - 4 panels to be connected at a point but lack stability. “I-pin” or “drop pin” attachments are popular on light and economical panels, offering easy setup and removal, yet horses can easily get caught on the pins. The “J-hook” attachment is safer than the drop pin but still poses a risk of horses getting hooked by halters or other objects. The “cowboy latch” is the safest attachment type, without sharp edges, allowing a smaller gap between panels, creating a safer environment for horses to avoid getting their reins or other things stuck. Most manufacturers install cowboy latches on their best panels.
Panel Shapes: There are two main panel shapes, rounded corner panels and square corner panels. Rounded corner panels or fencing panels are not recommended for horses as when two fencing panels are placed together, they form a V-shape where hooves or even nails can easily get caught. Square-edged panels, known as “horse-safe” panels, have tops that fit closely together when placed side by side, preventing horses or horse shoes from getting caught between panels.
2. Strength Requirements
The strength of the panel is determined by its weight. An “economy” panel weighs around 40 pounds, while a “super-strength” panel weighs about 120 pounds. How you use the space and the type of horses you will be working with, such as whether it's for breaking young horses or occasionally containing cattle, will determine the strength of the panel you need. We offer horse round pens ranging from “economy” to “super” and everything in between.
3. Size Considerations
The diameter of a horse round pen usually ranges from 30 to 100 feet. Most trainers and riders commonly encounter models with a diameter of 50 feet. Rick Wheat, the inventor of the Noavel headstall, often uses a 30-foot pen for training horses. However, the size of the horse should be a major criterion in determining the diameter of the pen. For high-intensity training and handling, a Clydesdale or any horse over 15 hands may not be suitable for a smaller circular pen, while a Welsh pony may have difficulty learning to trot and pace in a too-large pen. A large horse is more suitable for a 60-foot circular pen when running or cantering, while a wild or spirited horse is more suitable for a 40 or 50-foot circular pen. Also, ensure the wall of the pen is high enough to prevent new horses from attempting to escape.
4. Materials
There are various materials available for horse round pen construction:
Horse round pen cover with curved metal rail panels.
Portable covered round with HDPE panel.
DIY horse round pen cover with wooden panels.
Horse round pen cover for horses with bamboo panels.
Covered horse round pen kits with rubber sheet.
Build horse round pen covered with solid panels.
When using a horse round pen, it's essential to pay attention to the horse's body language. The horse will convey whether it's afraid, bored, or comfortable. You want the horse's hips to be level with its withers, which usually indicates relaxation while still being attentive. The ears of the horse can also provide valuable information. Consistency in training is key, and with proper use of the horse round pen, a better connection and trust can be established between the horse and the trainer.
If you have any questions or wish to order a horse round pen, please call shhinehope:+86 138 6989 8222. For more ideas and information about Shinehope Fence horse round pens, you can check our Round pen product section.