How to Train a Horse With No Arena or Round Pen

Having a round pen or arena available can make starting a young horse or retraining an older one easier, but the good news is that everything that can be done in a round pen can also be done without one. With the right equipment and the right training techniques you can overcome your lack of a round pen and create a well trained horse you can rely on.

Things You'll Need

  • Longe whip
  • Longe line
  • Soft cotton lead rope
  • Side reins
  • Halter and lead rope
  • Bridle
  • Saddle
  • Snaffle bit
  • Training surcingle
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Instructions

  1. Training Your Horse Without a Round Pen

    • 1

      Start by laying a solid foundation of trust with your horse. Every time you interact with your horse you are teaching him, so be cognizant of your body language and that of your horse. Something as simple as leading your horse in and out of the pasture can be a valuable training experience. When you lead your horse make sure that he does not rush or crowd you. Correct your horse at the first intrusion into your space and repeat the lesson until you have gained your horse's respect.

    • 2

      Attach side reins to your horse's halter and run those lines through a training surcingle to keep them in place. Take up your lunge whip and move behind your horse. Urge the horse to move forward while using the side reins to keep him moving straight.

    • 3

      Attach a soft cotton longe line to your horse's halter and move him to as flat an area as you can. Use your longe whip to move your horse to the end of the longe line and urge him to move forward with voice cues. As your horse to walk around the circle slowly and calmly, then pull gently on the end of the longe line while using the "whoa" voice cue. Ask your horse to turn around, using the whip for guidance if needed. Ask him to move at a walk in the other direction.

    • 4

      Continue longeing your horse, first at a walk, then a trot and finally at a canter. It may take quite a few training sessions until your horse is moving in a relaxed, supple and balanced manner, so be sure not to rush the training. Always make sure your horse is responding to your voice cues and body language at one gait before moving on to a faster one.