More Than Just Circles
If you’ve been around horses for any length of time, chances are you’ve heard someone say, “Just put him in the round pen and run him around until he listens.”
It’s a common mindset. A round pen is often seen as a place for discipline—a space where a horse works off extra energy or “gets his attitude adjusted.” But here’s the truth: if that’s all we use the round pen for, we’re missing out on one of the most powerful tools we have for building real connection with our horses.
Round penning is about so much more than circles. Done correctly, it’s about communication, softness, and trust. It’s about creating a conversation with your horse—without a rope, without a halter, without treats—where both of you walk away more confident and connected than before.
In this blog, we’ll break down what round penning really is, the common problems riders face when trying it, and the practical steps you can take to transform it from “just running laps” into a meaningful training exercise that changes the way you ride.
The Problem: Misusing the Round Pen
The round pen gets a bad reputation for good reason. Many riders go in with one of two approaches:
Running the horse into exhaustion.
The idea is simple—if he’s tired enough, he won’t fight you. The problem? That horse hasn’t learned anything except how to brace and resent the work.Chasing without clarity.
Waving sticks, clucking nonstop, and constantly driving the horse forward without releasing pressure. This leaves the horse confused, frustrated, and unsure what you’re asking.
In both cases, the round pen becomes a place of conflict instead of communication. The horse might move his feet, but he’s not engaging his mind. That’s why so many riders leave the round pen feeling discouraged: they’ve worked hard, but they don’t see lasting changes.
The Better Way: Round Penning as a Conversation
When used with intention, the round pen is one of the safest, most forgiving places to communicate with your horse. Why?
It’s controlled. The pen creates boundaries that keep your horse from drifting off or pulling away.
It’s forgiving. If your timing is a little off, don’t worry. The horse is circling back around, giving you another chance to get it right.
It’s relational. Without a rope in your hand, your communication relies entirely on your body language, energy, and timing—the very things your horse understands best.
This isn’t about control. It’s about connection. It’s about asking a question, waiting for the answer, and rewarding the smallest try.
Tools That Help You Succeed
Before you step into the round pen, let’s talk about two essentials:
1. The Steady Stick
Designed by Noah of Steady Horse, the Steady Stick isn’t just another whip or carrot stick. It’s lightweight, hollow, flexible, and intentional. Think of it as an extension of your arm.
Use it for clarity. A raised stick signals “move forward.”
Use it for energy. A gentle tap or a pop on the ground adds pressure.
Use it for safety. If a horse crowds you, that stick gives you space without anger or force.
The goal isn’t to rely on the stick forever. It’s to use it to clearly communicate until your horse understands your cues without it.
2. A Safe, Solid Round Pen
Not all round pens are created equal. Avoid flimsy panels with weak welds—especially if you’re working with a young or unpredictable horse. A smaller pen (around 40 feet) often works better than a large one because it makes connection easier and keeps you from “chasing” your horse across too much space.
Think of your round pen as an investment in safety and clarity. Like a good saddle, it pays for itself over time.
Step One: Driving Forward
The first thing you’ll ask in the round pen is simple: move forward.
Give the cue. Raise your hand, cluck, or use the Steady Stick.
Look for the try. Even if it’s just a step in the right direction, release the pressure immediately.
Reward generously. Step back, breathe, and let your horse know he made the right choice.
The key? Pressure motivates, but release teaches. If you don’t release as soon as your horse responds, he’ll only get confused.
At this stage, don’t worry about speed or perfect circles. All you’re asking is, “Will you move where I ask you to go?”
Step Two: Drawing In
Once your horse understands moving forward, it’s time to see if he’ll come back to you. This is where round penning moves from obedience to relationship.
Change your energy. Take a step back, drop your shoulders, and breathe deeply.
Use subtle cues. A soft kiss or cluck, a lifted hand, or simply catching your horse’s eye.
Reward the float. When he turns in, even just slightly, release your energy and let him come.
This moment—when your horse chooses to leave the rail and step toward you—is the heart of round penning. It’s no longer about “making him move.” It’s about him wanting to be with you.
Step Three: Directing Gaits
Once the basics of forward and drawing in are solid, you can begin shaping transitions: walk, trot, canter, and back down again.
Here’s where one of the most powerful techniques comes in: breathing down.
Instead of yanking reins or constantly clucking, you teach your horse to mirror your energy. When you take a deep, relaxing breath, he slows. When you raise your energy, he moves out.
The beauty of this? It transfers directly to riding. Imagine asking your horse to slow down under saddle—not with your hands, but with your breath and seat. That’s softness in motion.
Step Four: Departures and Disengagement
The last major skill to shape in the round pen is a good departure—that smooth, balanced move off the hind end when you ask him to go forward.
Many young or unbalanced horses look “wonky” at first—legs everywhere, out of rhythm, struggling to canter without bucking or leaning. Repetition of starts and stops builds balance and collection.
Think of it like teaching a child to ride a bike. At first, it’s wobbly. But with practice, it becomes second nature.
When your horse can depart smoothly, he’s not just physically balanced. He’s mentally prepared to carry you safely under saddle.
Common Mistakes in the Round Pen
As you begin, watch out for these pitfalls:
Letting the horse cut in. If he starts making ovals or shouldering into you, be preemptive. Block him before he drifts.
Chasing without release. Pressure without release only creates confusion. Always release at the first try.
Switching directions too often. Rapid-fire changes might look impressive, but they overwhelm most horses. Build confidence in one direction first.
Expecting too much too soon. Celebrate one good step. The refinement comes with repetition, not force.
Why Round Penning Matters Beyond the Pen
So why put in the time? Because round penning prepares you for everything that comes after.
Safer rides. A horse that understands pressure and release at liberty is far more reliable under saddle.
Clearer communication. Without ropes or treats, you learn to speak your horse’s natural language—body, energy, and timing.
Stronger partnership. Instead of fear or force, your horse learns to trust and follow your lead willingly.
It’s not about perfection. It’s about building a foundation. Even the messy sessions—where nothing looks pretty—are investments in clarity and connection.
A Reflection from Psalm 119
The verse that ties beautifully into round penning is Psalm 119:32:
“I run in the path of your commands, for you have set my heart free.”
When we lead our horses with clarity, fairness, and love, we’re not trapping them in endless circles. We’re setting them free—free from confusion, fear, and the need to brace against us.
True freedom comes when boundaries and trust are clear. Just like in our walk with God, the structure of His commands doesn’t confine us—it frees us to move with confidence and peace.
Bringing It All Together
Round penning isn’t about working your horse until he’s tired. It’s about working with him until he understands. It’s about creating a safe, controlled conversation where your horse learns to:
Move willingly in the direction you ask.
Choose to come in and connect.
Mirror your energy through transitions.
Depart smoothly with balance and collection.
It’s more than just circles. It’s the foundation of a safer, softer, more joyful ride.
Action Steps for Your Next Session
Check your tools. Bring a Steady Stick and make sure your round pen is safe.
Start simple. Ask only for forward movement and reward the smallest try.
Add connection. Practice drawing your horse in by lowering your energy.
Experiment with breath. See if your horse responds when you exhale and relax.
Celebrate the small wins. Don’t expect perfection—just progress.
Your Next Step
Every ride matters. Don’t wait for a scare to make a change.
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