The traditional method of “round penning,” often touted as the definitive way to establish leadership and communication with a horse, involves chasing the animal until it seeks refuge in the center. While this popular technique aims to mimic herd dynamics, its efficacy and ethical implications have been increasingly questioned. This article explores a more nuanced and compassionate approach to horse training, emphasizing partnership and trust over dominance.
Historically, trainers employed round penning, also known as “join-up” or “hooking-on,” to elicit an instinctive response from horses. The theory suggests this mirrors how a lead mare disciplines a subordinate by driving it away, only allowing its return after submission. However, witnessing the intense distress and exhaustion experienced by horses subjected to prolonged and aggressive chasing, as seen in some widely publicized training videos, prompts a critical re-evaluation of this practice. Such methods, where young colts are frantically pursued with ropes and flags, leaving them traumatized and depleted, raise serious concerns about the “success” achieved.
Furthermore, instances where trainers ignore a horse’s clear attempts to engage and submit, continuing the chase out of perceived necessity or an unknown agenda, can lead to confusion and a breakdown in learning. Aggressively driving a horse away at the outset of a relationship seems counterintuitive if the goal is to foster a cooperative partnership. The inherent desire of horses for trust, peace, and comfort suggests that building a relationship through gentler means should be the priority from the very beginning.
In 2007, competing in colt starting challenges highlighted these differing philosophies. While other trainers immediately resorted to chasing colts around the round pen, a more effective approach involved calmly approaching and retreating from the young horses, allowing them to accept presence and gentle touch. This method quickly established trust and facilitated the introduction of fundamental exercises, like the Six Keys to Harmony, without inducing fear or anxiety. The resulting trust and calmness in these horses, unlike those subjected to aggressive initial training, translated into more productive and harmonious interactions during subsequent mounted work.
Beyond the psychological impact, the physical strain of circular work, whether in a round pen or on a longe line, warrants consideration. The horse’s natural inclination to lean inward during a circle can lead to abnormal stress on its hocks and abnormal hoof-ground impact. This can contribute to degenerative arthrosis and strains on ligaments.
For these reasons, many experienced trainers opt for a 60-foot diameter square pen for early training and specific issue resolution. Unlike round pens, square pens encourage horses to straighten their bodies on the sides and bend through the corners, offering greater gymnastic benefit and requiring them to make decisions about their movement. This engages the horse mentally and physically in a way that mindlessly circling does not.
Ground work warm-ups, such as the Six Keys to Harmony exercises, are often more productive than traditional longeing. These exercises focus on gaining the horse’s attention, re-establishing leadership, and providing gymnastic work for individual body parts. When longeing is employed, it’s often at a walk or trot, maintaining the horse’s natural cadence and rhythm to encourage relaxation and proper back engagement. Moving parallel to the horse to create a rectangular or oval shape can also mitigate harmful hoof impact. Incorporating ground poles and low jumps during longeing can further strengthen the horse and encourage a rounded back.
Ultimately, the journey of horse training should be one of discovery, creativity, and mutual respect. Instead of blindly mimicking popular methods, horse owners are encouraged to learn from their horses, use their imagination, and apply common sense. Offering lightness and enjoying the process of building a true partnership is far more rewarding than relying on outdated and potentially harmful techniques.
Ed Dabney is an internationally acclaimed clinician, presenting horsemanship and riding clinics all over the US and in Europe. In 2007, Ed was named Champion of the East Coast Trainer Challenge Series by Equine Extravaganza. Ed was honored to have been selected by the University of Georgia to teach their senior level Young Horse Training course. His training articles have appeared in many major national magazines. Ed produces instructional videos and the “Gentle Horsemanship” TV program which has been seen on RFD-TV. His blending of natural horsemanship and classical equitation has made an indelible mark with students all across the United States and now also in Europe, drawing the attention of serious riders searching for the lightest touch and the deepest connection with their horses irrespective of breed or discipline.
