Round Pen Training-what size pen?

[chubbypony]

I didn't know where else to put this question, but this seemed like the best place.

I would like to start round pen training, long lining, etc with my mini/shetland. I really think it would be great for her. However, I cannot afford a huge round pen. I just sold my saddle and with that money I could afford a 30' round pen. Would that be big enough for a small pony? I know that would be kind of small for a large horse.

What do you all think?

[Waikato Valuta]

I'm not sure in feet but 20m in the smallest you should build. Anything smaller may damage the legs of your horse if you use it too much.

[Jacquie]

My round pen is 50' diametre and is fine for my 16.2hh.

So....I should imagine a 30' one should be suitable for a mini shetland (but nothing any larger). ;)

[katefarmer]

I think the 20 meter rule is when you're using it for riding and on a regular basis. 20 meters is the width of a school/dressage arena - so plenty big enough for huge warmbloods to use regularly. I think for the purposes you're looking with the pony you're talking about, at 30 ft one would be fine.

Cheers

Kate
www.harmony-project.net

[Waikato Valuta]

How big is your pony? and how often were you planing on working it in the round yard?

[chubbypony]

She is only about 10hh. http://image26.webshots.com/26/7/74/47/308077447Caxvwl_ph.jpg
I plan to work her about three times a week this summer.

[Kate F.]

Sweeeet! I think you'll be fine with a 30 foot pen!

Good luck!

Kate

[Jacquie]

What a cute little pony. :)

As Kate's already mentioned, a 30' pen will be fine for your pony and I'm sure your both going to have loads of fun.

Good luck and keep us updated.

[Tootsie4U]

Are we talking feet or meters?

30 foot round pen is actually small for a regular size horse. At 30 feet, that means the horse is 15' away from the person standing in the center - thats 10 feet shorter than a good lunge line!

A 60 foot round pen is pretty standard out in these parts. (Translation, a 60 foot round pen is roughly equivalent to a 20 meter circle in a dressage test)
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<edit> having a duh moment, just realized you were all saying 30' as a recommendation for the shetland. geesh - wake up Tootsie! :rolleyes:

[laura jeanne]

She is so cute!! How old is she? Can she pull you in that cart?
(sorry I can't help with your question)
Also, what is her name?

[chubbypony]

"Dollie" is going to be three in July. She was line driving when she was under a year and recently she has been driving with the cart. She can pull two average adults on a smooth paved surface. Although, most of the time it's just me in the cart. We just wander around the yard or drive up the road. She is so tiny I am afraid to take her very far down the road. The neighbors have dogs and she is about the same size as some of them. :( I think that I'm more afraid of the dogs coming at her then she is! She thinks she's a BIG horse.

She is a lot of fun, but sooo smart that training her can be hard work!

http://image26.webshots.com/27/8/21/16/308082116smrGLZ_ph.jpg

Here's a picture of her driving.