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Despite the negative use of the round pen, it can also be harnessed as a tool for good. In essence, a round pen is just a small, circular paddock, making it a versatile tool that can be used in a number of ways. Many trainers see the round pen as a place to lunge their horse, tire them out before a ride, or establish respect. However, a shift in perspective can turn the round pen into a place for establishing connection, communication, and trust between horse and human.
The Difference Between Positive and Negative Round Penning
People who have been following natural horsemen for years may see the round pen as a tool that is used for a specific type of training. The round pen can be used in with pressure and release and positive reinforcement training. However, there will be a few key differences in how each type of trainer interacts with the space and their goals for using it.
Benefits of the Round Pen
In essence, a round pen is just a small, circular pen. It does not have to be used to chase a horse in circles and when used correctly it can be a great tool for trainers. For those looking to train their horses with a target or at liberty, there are multiple benefits of using a round pen for training.
A round pen...
Allows trainers to interact with their horses in a controlled environment
Provides a safe, secure place for training
Is small and limits distractions
Allows trainers to let their horse off the lead rope without fear of them getting away
Can be conditioned to be a positive place for learning
Can be used for groundwork and riding
Using the Round Pen as a Positive Tool
Despite how it is popularly used, the round pen can also be a tool for positivity and connection. Instead of using the round pen as a trap to force compliance out of a horse, it can be used as a space for focused training. Positive trainers have been restructuring their thinking around the round pen and turning it into a tool for establishing two-way communication.
The round pen should be a safe space for your horse. A round pen can be used as a space where you can let them free knowing they cannot wander off. Because of its small size and secure fencing, a round pen is a great place to teach the foundations and build on liberty work before taking it out into a larger area. A round pen is often a good place for the horse and human to focus with limited distractions.
For me, the round pen is a place to go when I want to get a good session in and don't have to move too much. After using the round pen for positive training for a period of time, the horse will associate the area with good feelings and willingly head over for their training. A solid foundation and strong bond between horse and trainer can be established in a round pen without force by using positive reinforcement and the confined space.
Reverse Round Penning
Sometimes it's nice to be able to get your horse moving to burn off a little bit of energy before working or, perhaps, you don't feel like riding today but still want to get your horse exercised. These are instances where round penning your horse may feel like an easy solution, however, the same goals can be achieved using a more positive method.
Reverse round penning involves creating a circular shoot around the trainer so they can direct their horse in a circle around them. The reverse round pen does not rely on whips or force to make the horse move and the trainer instead relies on voice cues to get the horse to move. This practice relies on intense communication and responsiveness between the horse and trainer. By teaching the reverse round pen you put a powerful tool in your arsenal for working with your horse without force.
Don't let the round pen's traditional uses scare you away from using the space. For positive trainers, a round pen can serve many purposes and be a valuable tool to have in your arsenal.