Round pens serve a different purpose than the rest of your fencing. They’re not just there to keep a horse contained—they’re designed to give you a safe, practical space to work.
At Seven Peaks, we’ve built pens of every size for horse owners across Texas and Arizona.
And here’s what we’ve learned: a round pen is one of the best investments you can make for groundwork, starting young horses, and refining skills—but only if you choose the right size and setup.
Table of Contents
- Think About Your Purpose Before You Pick
- Round Pen Size Guide: See the Difference
- What to Look for in Round Pen Panels
- Installation Tips for Your Round Pen
- Why Horse Owners Choose Seven Peaks Round Pens
- Ready to Build Your Round Pen?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Think About Your Purpose Before You Pick
You have to think about round pens a little differently than you would your pasture fencing or stalls.
Ask yourself:
- What am I going to use this pen for?
- Am I starting young colts, tuning up an older horse, or just need a place for groundwork where I’m not chasing them across the pasture?
The right size and setup—one that fits your current needs and future horses—makes all the difference.
Too small, and you’ll feel cramped. Too big, and you’ll spend more time trying to keep their attention than actually training.
Round Pen Size Guide: See the Difference
The size of your round pen changes how you—and your horse—work in it.
Smaller pens give you more control for groundwork and working with more seasoned horses, while larger pens offer room to ride, work with younger untrained horses, and let a horse stretch out.
Not sure which size is right? Watch this quick video to see a bird’s-eye view of 40’, 50’, and 60’ round pens side by side.
Round Pen Size Guide: See the Difference
If you're tossing around some different opinions on sizing, use this chart to help you choose the best fit.
| Size | Key Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 40' |
|
Groundwork, starting young horses, small properties |
| 50' |
|
All-around use, groundwork + light riding |
| 60' |
|
Advanced training, multiple horses, liberty work |
Pro Tip: If you’re on the fence, go with 50’. It’s big enough for riding but still gives you control for groundwork.
What to Look for in Round Pen Panels
Along with size, the panels you choose will make all the difference in how your pen holds up over time.
Here at Seven Peaks, we only build round pen kits with heavy-duty steel panels for their strength and longevity. But not all metal panels are built the same.
Those light-duty panels at big-box stores might look tempting, but they’re notorious for rattling, bending, and sagging over time—and that’s the last thing you want when working horses.
- Height – Go for panels at least 5’ tall. Anything shorter risks a spooked horse testing their luck.*
- Rail Spacing – Tighter gaps between rails help prevent hooves or heads from slipping through.
- Strength – Heavy-duty steel with solid welds stands up to pressure and daily use.
- Ease of Setup – Panels that clamp together securely save time and create a sturdier, cleaner line than loose-pin systems.
*Adopting a mustang? To meet BLM requirements, you'll want to shop our 6 Rail Heavy-Duty Panels that are 6' tall.
Installation Tips for Your Round Pen
Start by choosing a level spot with good drainage so you’re not fighting mud or uneven footing later. Add quality footing like sand layered over gravel to reduce stress on your horse’s joints.
Anchor the pen using sturdy clamps for a tighter, safer setup that holds steady through all kinds of weather (and all kinds of horses). If you’re confident you won’t ever need to move your round pen, consider planting posts for added longevity.
Why Horse Owners Choose Seven Peaks Round Pens
- Heavy-Duty steel: Built from 14-gauge pipe for strength that lasts.
- Modular design: Start small and expand your setup as your needs grow.
- Quick setup: Be training the same day you pick up your panels.
- Fast pickup or delivery: No long wait times or surprise freight costs.
Ready to Build Your Round Pen?
The right round pen doesn’t just make training safer—it makes your whole operation run smoother.
- ✅ Need a 40’, 50’, or 60’ round pen? We’ve got panels ready to go.
- ✅ Want help choosing the right size or layout? Call us—we’re always happy to chat round pens and fencing.
Frequently Asked Questions
→ What’s the best size round pen for starting young horses?
A 50' round pen is a great choice for groundwork and starting colts. It offers tighter control and less space for them to evade cues.
→ Can I ride in a 40' round pen?
It’s possible but not ideal for riding. We recommend a 50' or 60' diameter pen for comfortable riding space.
→ Do I need to anchor my round pen panels?
Your round pen is sturdy on it's own when you secure your panels with the included panel clamps.
→ How hard is it to install a round pen?
Most customers can install a round pen the same day with just a few tools. The modular design makes it quick and straightforward.