Too soon for round pen

[trails4jd]

I have owned a fairly green approx 12 year old gelding for about 9 months. My inclination was to work him in a round pen to work on moving forward. However, when I was at a presentation by a breeder, she said not to start them in a round pen until you've got them trotting in hand on a lead line. I had never heard this regarding full size horses. Thoughts?

 

[chandab]

The only thing I've heard of for "too soon" to use a round pen is age, no rounding penning before 2-3 years old, as the circles are hard on their still developing bones and joints.
If you have a good relationship with your gelding, I say go for it and give it a try. You can always take a step back, if he's not ready.