Round Pen Safety

When building a round pen for your horses, safety should be the first thing you’re thinking about. Here are a few of the most important areas you should focus on to ensure your round pen is safe for both you and your horse.

Base and footing – As you begin planning the base and footing of your pen, consider the climate you live in and the amount of rainfall you get on a yearly basis. Another important factor is what your round pen will be used for. Will it be used for training, a safe area for your horse to roam, or something else entirely? Be sure to choose the proper type of gravel, dust, sand, or other type of footing based on your primary use. You should also make sure that the base of the pen is sloped and the footing is layered so it will drain properly.

Posts and railings – When constructing your pen, make sure the fence posts and railings are level the whole way around. There should be no protruding posts that you or your horse could get caught on. For the safest option, consider putting the railing on the inside of the posts. This will make an uninterrupted circle with no posts sticking out. Although it won’t look as nice from the outside, remember – the round pen should be built with your horse in mind.

Hardware – All hardware you use on your gates should be placed on the outside. If you’re using wood, make sure the nails and screws are secured as far as they’ll go – and not protruding out. This will prevent your horse from injuring or scratching itself by bumping into it.

Staining or Painting – If you decide to stain or paint your railing, make sure you carefully read the contents first. Some contain chemicals or toxins that can be harmful to your horse. If you have any questions about it, your local hardware or farm supply store staff should be able to recommend a safe stain.

Safety is of the utmost importance when dealing with your horses. Double check the above things when you’re building your horse fencing, so you can ensure you and your horse will stay safe every time it’s used.