How much does a round pen cost?

by Martin A. Wilke

How much does a round pen cost?  That’s the most common question asked when I am working at a horse show or expo. It’s a simple question but it requires a complex answer. It’s a bit like asking, “How much does a car cost?” If you are thinking of making an investment in a round pen, be an informed consumer. Take your time and buy a product that is designed for your intended use. Any panel, regardless of quality, will bend when used for purposes other than its original design. Do some research and make sure that you are getting a product that will last and will be safe for your horses. When you get to the dealer, lift the ends of many different panels. Feel the weight and ask questions so that you can see what you are getting for your money. Simply put, when buying a round pen, you’re likely to get what you pay for. Most companies that build corral panels build an assortment for different needs and price ranges.

Following are things to consider as you think about your round pen project:

Overall Size

First, you must decide the diameter round pen that you will need. The following chart will help you. (INCLUDE CHART)  The most common round pen size is 50 or 60 feet across. Many customers who buy 35 or 40 foot round pens come back later and add panels to increase the diameter of their pen, allowing the extra room they find they need.

Safety

Safety is one of the most important considerations in buying corral panels. Most manufacturers have changed the corner design of corral panel from rounded to square in order to prevent the possibility of a horse catching its foreleg in the gap created by two round cornered panels. If you have the older, round cornered panels, there is now a poly panel cap available that will make your panels safer for horses. Look at the top corners and the center brace. Is there anything that could scrape or cut a horse? Is there anything that could catch a halter?

Use Helps to Determine Quality

When buying steel, if you pay more, you’ll likely get more steel, which in turn means more strength and a longer life span. If you have a small space and a tame horse, you may be satisfied with a lower cost panel. If you’re breaking mustangs, think in terms of more gauge and more height. Keep in mind that when measuring the thickness of steel (gauge), the lower the number, the thicker the steel. For example, a 16-gauge tube is a lot heavier than a 20-gauge tube. Panels come in all gauges from 14 to 22 and even lighter. The diameter of the tubing is another important consideration. The most common diameter of tubing is generally 1 5/8 to 2 inches. The best way for you to know exactly what you are getting is to lift the end of various panels. You’ll be surprised at the difference in weight of panels that appear to be similar. Remember, buying more steel means more strength.

Finishes

Appearance is another important consideration for many customers. Most companies have changed from liquid paint to powder coat. It’s a far superior method of painting but it will still chip when impacted. Many companies offer a galvanized panel. In the Northwest, the galvanized panel is more widely used than if other areas, due to wet weather. For those who want the best and are willing to pay for it, there are hot-dipped galvanized panels available. The panel is dipped in molten zinc after it’s welded. It’s the highest degree of protection available and the cost reflects that fact. It’s back to the basic rule. You’ll likely get what you pay for.

Panel Size

The most common length of panel sold for round pens is 12 feet. Most companies make panels of varying lengths but the 12-foot length seems to be a universal favorite. Longer panels are heavier and more difficult to move around. As to height, it depends on the type of work planned for the pen. The most common panels sold are 5’ to 6’ tall. Most panels sold to horse owners have 6 rails, some use the 5-rail and a minority of horse owners uses the 4-rail panels.

Hookups

There are several types of hookups available. Most common are drop pin hookups and chain hookups. A convenient feature of some pin and all chain hookups is the ability to hook 2, 3 or 4 panels to a common point, should you have the need. This isn’t possible with all pin hookups. Also, most panels that come with chain hookups can be connected with butterflies for a very solid connection. Butterflies are the connectors commonly used on dog kennels. They are a two-piece connector, shaped like the figure 8 with a bolt through the middle. Butterflies require the ground to be quite level, but then a round pen should be placed on level ground anyway.

Gates

Remember that you will need an arch gate. They come in different heights and widths. Entrance panels are also available. An entrance panel is a corral panel with a 4’ or 6’ gate built into it. The top of the arch on an entrance panel is generally lower than the arch on an arch gate and so most round pen owners use an arch gate. Don’t forget a latch. There is an assortment of latches available from the same dealers that sell corral panels.

This is a volatile time for steel. Companies that manufacture items from steel are seeing weekly increases and the price of gates and corral panels is higher than it was a year ago. However, there are dealers in the Northwest who stock an assortment of styles and price ranges from several reputable manufacturers. Shop around and ask tough questions. Check on the Internet and ask for help. You will find that most feed, farm and ranch supply stores, and co-ops that sell panels will have someone on staff who is able to advise you about the pros and cons of different types of panels, manufacturers, hookups and latches.

Martin Wilke is district manager for Behlen Country. Visit the website www.behlencountry.com for more information.