Hey guys,

 I don't really know much to do in the round pen, ride of course but I was wondering if anyone had any special exersises that you are going with your horse? My horse really needs to loose weight so I don't want to bore him with riding everyday. Thanks for your help

Jesse

Well when I work in a round pen I try to work off lead; I walk, jog, canter, both directions. I do lots of turns, so that they are focused, and work a bit on suppleness. I back them get them to side pass, turn on the forehand, and hind end, etc; all of this works their muscles and tones them, to help them work off body fat.  If you can't get them to do some of the latter excercises off lead, put a lead rope on them and get them to do them. Try to focus on making sure they are 'collected' when they do them, as well, and not just moving all their feet to turn, or one foot at a time when they back etc.

 If it's a large enough round pen, you can put some small jumps in there as well.

If you are looking for a boredom breaker, you might introduce a big ball (I mean like 3.5-4' diameter.)  Our horses play with the ball by pushing it and kicking it.  Introduce it slowly though, have it stationary in the center when he comes in and control it as he gets curious.  Most horses love it after awhile and look forward to the game.  My trainer teaches them to roll it to her, then she rolls it back.  A lot of fun.