Round Pen: Lunging Ring Made of Panels for Training Your Horse
In a round pen you work with your horse in a defined space, focused and safe. Here you will find lunging and riding rings in several sizes.
Round Pen: Your Training Ring for Groundwork and Lunging
A round pen is a circular lunging ring made of metal panels, where you can let your horse move freely, lunge it or start it under saddle. The round shape has no corners where a horse can get stuck, and it draws the attention towards you in the centre. For groundwork, liberty work and training young horses, it gives you a protected setting that you can set up on any level surface.
Which Diameter Suits You
A small ring with a 10 m diameter suits liberty work and first exercises where you want to stay close to the horse. At 14 m a horse has more room for trot and a calm canter on the lunge. A large riding ring of 17 m offers enough space to work a young horse under saddle as well. The larger the circle, the less the tight bend strains the joints, which matters most during longer sessions. If you are unsure, the middle size is a good all round choice.
Setting Up and Footing
The panels are hooked together one after another, and a panel with a gate serves as the entrance. A level surface is important so that the panels stand straight and no gaps appear. Sand or woodchip footing is kind to tendons and hooves and stays firm even after heavy rain. On grass, the circular track soon wears a groove, so it is worth moving the round pen a little from time to time.
Frequently asked questions
How high should a round pen be?
The wall should be high enough that a horse does not think of jumping over it. As a rule of thumb, about wither height or a little more, and higher for young or spirited horses.
How long should a training session in the round pen last?
Short sessions are easier on the joints than long spells on the tight circle. Change the rein regularly so that both sides are worked evenly, and finish with a few calm rounds at walk.
Can I use the round pen as a paddock too?
Yes, for a few hours or as turnout during the day that works well. Provide fresh water and make sure the horse can find some shade, especially on hot summer days.
Round Pen and Lunging Ring for Your Horse
Whether it is a young horse, a horse that needs retraining or simply a change in routine: in a round pen you always have your horse in view, and it cannot slip away from you. The round shape leads the horse evenly around you, with no corners to get stuck in. Here you will find lunging and riding rings made of sturdy panels in several sizes. A small ring of 10 m suits liberty work, models of 14 m give more room on the lunge, and with a 17 m diameter you can also work under saddle. The Growi TRE-Classic lunging and riding ring is part of the range too. You hook the panels into each other, and a gate panel serves as the entrance. Set the ring up on level, firm ground and you have a training area you can take down or move whenever needed.