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Choosing a Round Yard

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1.    A discussion on portable round yard options
2.    Recommended size of a round yard
3.    Other things to consider when choosing a round yard or horse yard panels
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" The tighter the circle the harder the horse has to work ..."

A Discussion on Portable Round Yard Options

Portable round yards are obviously more flexible than a permanent round yard. Not only can the size be reduced if needed, but considering that a round yard may not be used frequently, portable yard panels can be used for a multitude of other uses. Portable paels are also more forgiving than a fixed round yard in the horse panels will move and give slightly if hit with any force.

Barriers: Our clients have used the portable round yard panels as barriers, for example to assist in loading a mare and her foal into a float. A temporary yard was made with a couple of panels flagging either side of the horse float, the mare had no hesitation in moving onto the float and the foal followed on, calm and collected. There was no stress or confusion as the panels were slowly closed around them.

Temporary holding yards. Depending on the number of panels in the roundyard more than one temporary yard can be built from them.

Sick bay: When a horse is sick or injured and needs to be contained or movement restricted, it will usually remain calmer if left with its paddock mates. A temporary yard can be set up as a stable sized yard, in or near the paddock so it can be outdoors with it’s equine friends. They can be used to turn a simple horse shelter into a stable as well.

Recommended Size of a Round Yard

The recommended size of a round yard is ultimately dictated by its purpose. The tighter the circle the harder a horse has to work and bend – so for a larger or unfit horse a tight circle may cause or exacerbate an injury.

Recommended round yard diameter: Smaller round yards 12m to 15m are fine for ponies, but larger horses are better worked in a round yard of 18m-20m. If you consider that a standard dressage arena is 20m wide an 18m round yard will give riders a reasonable sized area to work in and not cause unnecessary physical stress on the horse.

Recommended round yard height: If the round yard is only being used to warm up or lunge a horse, or to provide a small arena for children, then there is really no reason for the height to be more than 1300mm high with two or three bars. This enables kids to ‘escape’ quickly if they need to but is sufficiently high enough to keep in a horse that respects boundaries. 1200mm is the height of a standard field gate.

Many mass produced round yard panels are made to 1800mm high. These are usually cattle panels being sold as round yard panels and not what we would recommend using with horses. More often than not, a height of 1600 (5’) is more than adequate.

Number of round yard rails: The number of bars should also be considered. There is a likelihood that a horse could get a leg between bars if there is no solid barrier such as timber, mesh, poly or rubber lining. Consequently the further apart the bars, the easier it is for the horse to release itself without injury. Cattle panels have closely spaced bars for a reason – cattle are heavy and rough on equipment and are always look for a way out. Horses on the other hand are more likely to respect a visual or physical boundary. Yes, there are always some exceptions, however generally speaking 4 bars on a panel 1600 high are more than adequate.

Other Considerations when choosing a round yard

Panel length: Although longer steel panels make purchasing a roundyard cheaper they might not be that good a value. Longer panels need to have a centre brace inserted to support the bars and stop them from drooping and warping the horse yard panel. Generally flat steel is used as a brace, however if a horse gets a leg or head between the bars and hits against the steel which is only 5mm thick with enough force, it’s likely that stitches will be required.

Longer roundyard panels are also more difficult to move around – even if they do have a skid at one end as ours do. How easily can you support the weight of one panel on it’s own? Can you move them about by yourself?

How strong is the steel used? A rail might look like it’s strong because it’s wider than others you’ve seen, however it’s the thickness of the pipe wall that needs to be considered. Thin walled materials like tubing and some cheaper pipe can bend and break if hit with reasonable force. If using the panels for a sick or sedated horse, the last thing you want is a rail to break if your horse falls against it.

The old rule of “you get what you pay for” stands true.

At the other extreme thick walled pipe (water pipe) makes the panels so heavy they are almost impossible to move around and they will not bend or flex at all.  

Cuts:Sharp protrusions such as poor slaggy welds can cause cuts to you and your horse, as can bracing and even some of the joining systems used on panels. Any bolts or other fasteners should sit flush or be rounded. Even something as innocent as a horse rubbing it’s head on a rail may be enough to cause some nasty cuts. 

Gaps between panels: Do the panels have squared or rounded corners? Rounded top corners on panels form a ‘V’ shaped gap – a potential trap for human and equine limbs.

Quick escape: Do you need a quick release gate? If you think you might need to get out of a round yard quickly it might be worthwhile considering the option of a slam catch which will open quickly when pressure is applied to the handle. The slam catch sits within the gate frame so it won’t open if a horse leans on or hits the gate. It might be worthwhile considering two gates to provide an additional escape route as well.

"Please contact us and we'll help you work out the best option for your needs and budget."


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Copyright 2007 AJ&PA Hood

Disclaimer: Farmweld cannot accept any responsibility for any injury or damage that you may cause to yourself, others, horses or property when following the recommendations given above. Any representation, statement, opinion or advice, expressed or implied in this publication is made in good faith but on the basis that Farmweld ,its agents and employees are not liable (whether by reason of negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking or not taking (as the case may be) action in respect of any representation, statement or advice referred to above.