The Round Yard
(be sure to scroll down for pictures)
The round yard is affectionately known by us as the 'circle of truth'.
It is predominantly used for horses that have been poorly started (broken in) and require re-training in order to gain a good level of respect and control. There are many other uses for working a horse in a round yard but that is the predominant use.
The reason we call it the 'circle of truth' is that the horse clearly displays its opinion about the environment and humans as its willingness to listen and cooperate is immediately tested.
Round yard training is not required for all horses that visit us but is a handy option for some.
The one downside for many horse owners, is that they do not have a round yard to use. For most people, a round yard will never be necessary. However, if thought necessary and one is not available, there are other techniques that we can engage instead of the round yard.
When contemplating construction or purchase of a round yard
We prefer portable yards. Whilst usually more expensive than construction of a permanent, we believe a portable is better value for money. Here are some of our reasons:-
Size Control - for mature large horses, say 14hh plus, a 18m (60' foot) diameter round pen is the standard size that we use. However, with smaller horses and certainly for foals and yearlings, we strip the size down. Sometimes down to stable size, depending on the work to be done. Obviously, this is not achievable with a permanent round yard.
Use Flexibility - Portable round yards are eminently more flexible over time. Considering that the round yard is not used frequently, a portable allows other uses such as a holding yard in other paddocks. As an example, it can be very good to use when there is an injured horse. Rather than contain and separate the injured horse in a stable, a portable round yard can be stripped down to make a small stable size pen. This can be set up in a paddock so the horse can be outdoors with its paddock mates. It can also be used to put around a round bale of hay so that feeding can be controlled. Temporary fencing is another use. We are sure when you use your imagination you will see many more uses for the round yard, rather than a fixed yard that is rarely used.
Height - we recommend that the sides be at least 1.85M (6 foot)
Getting back to the Circle of Truth -
As pictured below - some pictures of Norm testing the feelings of a three year old.
The horse at first, did not want to have anything to do with Norm. The horse ran around as if to get away. So, Norm began the process of controlling its movements, whilst at liberty. After a specific process, the horse finally decided that paying attention to Norm was preferable to ignoring or leaving his presence.
(the sun finally shines)
and finally, the horse listens -
This process is not about chasing a horse around to get it tired.
This is a process of controlling movement and the handler needs to understand the specific process and apply it correctly.
The final objective is to have the horse give us its attention and build its concentration.
And yes, sometimes both the horse and handler get hot and sweaty. In such case, never allow another person to come in and take over from you. If an old-fart like Norm becomes too tired, then the horse is too tired and the process would need to stop until both recover.
