That said, the Round Pen is truly the place where both you and your horse learn to speak each other's language. With time and work, it will seem like both of you can read each other's minds. And, round pen training helps you avoid costly mistakes that can take years to mend.

Once you've decided to build a round pen, you do have options. Metal panels are not your only solution. You can build your round pen out of wood fence or vinyl fence. Or, choose a combination of wood posts with vinyl rails?

It's actually not that difficult to build your own round pen. The hardest part is getting your measurements right, then digging your post holes. However, the entire process is fairly simple and can usually be completed in a weekend by yourself or with friends.

One nice thing about building your own round pen is that it can be less expensive than buying metal panels. And, you can customize it the way you want it. You'll get to choose the height, gate width and number of rails. And you can add personal touches like a walk through gate or a second "people only" gate!

Safety is an important issue to consider. Simply put, metal round pen panels do not give. If a horse gets caught in a panel or a rider get's bucked off, it's usually not a pretty sight.

Wood rails will give a little bit depending on their thickness and they will also break under extreme pressure. This will provide some relief and is definitely safer than metal.

Vinyl rails are the safest solution to building your round pen. The rails give and absorb shock brilliantly. Depending on the type of vinyl rail you use, the wood post will often snap before anything happens to the rail.

The look of the round pen is also essential. You can match the look of your existing fencing to your round pen. For example, if you have 3 rail fence on your property, you can build your round pen as 3 rail wood or vinyl and experiment with the rail width.

Make sure your round pen feels somewhat enclosed. Depending on your post height and rail width, you could end up with an airy feeling round pen or an enclosed round pen. Post heights range from 4.6" - 7'. Wood rails are usually 6" - 8" wide on round pens. Vinyl rail usually comes in 4", 5" and 6" widths.

Maintenance is another factor to consider. Try to use pressurized wood if you can. It holds up much better than standard lumber and insects don't tend to like it very much! Prime and paint or stain your wood. This will protect it and also give you a choice in the color of your round pen.

Vinyl requires virtually no maintenance?all you'll need to do is hose it off every now and then to keep it clean. The standard vinyl rail color is white; however, you can also find it in brown and black.

So, when it comes to building your Round Pen, know that you do have options. Actually, you have a lot of them!

? 2006 El Landers