A practical guide to sizing a round yard — what diameter suits the work you do, how many panels it takes, and how tall they should be. Written by the team at Super Fence.
A round yard is one of the most useful things you can have on a horse property — for lunging, groundwork, starting young horses and safe controlled exercise. But the right size depends entirely on what you plan to do in it. Too small and you cannot work a horse properly; too big and you lose the control a round yard is meant to give. Here is how to choose the diameter, work out the panel count, and pick the right height.
Diameter is the single most important decision, because it sets what you can safely do in the yard. As a general guide:
If you are not certain, tell us what you will mainly use the yard for — groundwork, lunging, starting, or ridden work — and we will point you to a diameter that fits.
The panel count follows from the diameter you choose and the length of each panel — a larger circle simply takes more panels to close. Rather than have you do the geometry, give us your target diameter and we will work out exactly how many panels it takes and how the gate fits into the ring.
Because the panels pin together, you can also start with one size and add panels later to enlarge the yard as your needs change.
Round yard panels are generally taller than everyday stock panels, because a horse under pressure can lean out or attempt to jump. A taller panel discourages that and keeps both you and the horse safe. Pick a height suited to your horses’ size and temperament — for spirited, green or larger horses, taller is the safer choice.
The panels pin together with no tools or concreting, so you can set the yard up where you need it, pack it down, or move it between paddocks and properties. That flexibility suits agistment, travelling clinics, and anyone who wants to change the yard’s size down the track.
A common working size is around 18m diameter, which gives room to lunge and start young horses safely while keeping you in control. Smaller yards suit tight spaces and groundwork; larger yards suit ridden work. Choose based on your horse and what you’ll do in it.
The panel count depends on the diameter you want and each panel’s length — a larger yard simply uses more panels. Tell us your target diameter and we’ll work out the exact number of panels and how the gate fits in.
Round yard panels are generally taller than stock panels to discourage horses from jumping or leaning out. Pick a height suited to your horses’ size and temperament; for spirited or green horses, taller is safer.
Yes — the panels pin together and can be moved or reconfigured, so you can relocate the yard, change its size, or pack it down. That flexibility suits agistment, clinics and properties that need to move the yard.
Yes. We deliver round yard panels and complete kits Australia-wide from Brisbane. Send your location and diameter and we’ll provide a freight estimate.
Let us know whether it’s for groundwork, lunging, starting or ridden work, and we’ll help you pick the diameter, panel count and height that fit.
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