A round pen is no different than a bridle, rope, martingale, saddle......it is a tool that when used by a trained individual is a powerful tool, but when abused can be counterproductive to say the least.

I love mine for starting young and old alike and it is my first classroom with them. I use it to put a solid foundation of communication and understanding on all my horses. And as far as learning, they are like kindergarten kids in the beginning that need both positive reinforcement and negative consequences'.

But opinions are like elbows, everyones got a couple. Let the horse tell you what works.