How to Construct a Round Pen

Round pens are small circular arenas derived from the holding corrals of the Old West. Today, round pens are a staple in a horse's early training and are essential for the extensive groundwork common to modern training philosophies. Although awkward, this shape is preferable to a square pen because horses have a tendency to stall in corners and panic. Typically 40 to 70 feet in diameter, a round pen will usually have 5 to 8 foot high walls with one gate. Round pens may be constructed of wood, metal or concrete and may be permanent or movable.

Things You'll Need

  • Tape measure
  • Scissors or shears
  • Calculator
  • Rope, 20 to 40 feet long
  • Electrical tape or Marker
  • T-posts
  • Gate
  • Steel corral panels
  • Surveyor's flags
  • Wire or heavy duty black cable ties
  • Tractor (optional)
  • Footing/substrate (optional)
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Instructions

  1. Planning

    • 1

      Choose a round pen that suits your needs and budget. Round pens vary in size and materials because each horseman's requirements and resources differ. Smaller round pens are cheaper to construct and put you in closer contact with the horse when doing groundwork. Larger round pens are more suitable for riding and the bigger circles are easier on a horse's joints. Round pens made of steel corral panels are relatively cheap and simple to construct.

    • 2

      Select a proper location for your round pen. Topography, drainage and footing are the three most important qualities to consider. Your location should be flat or very gentle sloping with no trees, rocks or other obstructions. You may need to clear or level the land with a tractor or bring in additional footing or substrate.

    • 3

      Multiply the diameter of your proposed round pen by 3.14 to calculate the circumference. Subtract the length of the gate you plan to use from the circumference. Divide the result by the length of your corral panels to determine how many panels you will need, rounding up or down to the nearest whole number.

      Example: Desired round pen is 50 feet in diameter.

      50 (diameter) x 3.14 = 157 feet (circumference)

      157 - 4 (length of gate) = 153

      153 divided by 12 (length of corral panels) = 12.75 (number of panels required). Round up to 13.

    Layout

    • 4

      Drive a T-post into the center of your proposed round pen.

    • 5

      Tie one end of the rope to the T-post as close to the ground as possible.

    • 6

      Mark the rope at a distance from the T-post that is equal to one half the desired diameter of your proposed round pen. Ensure the rope is laid out straight when measuring. Use electrical tape or a permanent marker

    • 7

      Trace the circumference of the round pen by holding the rope taught and walking in a circle around the T-post. Periodically mark the track with a surveyor's flag. The flags will act as a guide for setting up the corral panels.

    • 8

      Drive T-posts along the track to anchor the corral panels. This step is optional, but recommended for safety purposes.

    Construction

    • 9

      Position the gate at the desired location on the traced circumference.

    • 10

      Connect the gate to the first corral panel by mating the bracket and drop pins at the ends.

    • 11

      Connect the remaining panels in the same fashion, continuing around the circumference and back to the gate.

    • 12

      Secure the panels to the T-post anchors using wire or heavy-duty black cable ties. White or clear cable ties become brittle in sunlight.

    • 13

      Remove the T-post from the center of the round pen. Your round pen is now ready for use.