Starting a 3 year old

Question
Amanda,
I have recently acquired a 3 year old Arab gelding who I will be starting out.  He is halter broke, but that is all.  He is very inquisitive about everything, and doesn't run away from things (I'm very happy about that).  This does cause a problem when I'm in the round pen with him.  He doesn't care about running away from me or even listening to me at all.  He is more interested in finding new friends to talk to and socialize with.  I don't have access to a closed round pen, so he can see right out of the one we are in.  What can I do to get him to listen to me other than start whacking him with a lounge whip?  I don't want to make him afraid of things, but I want him to listen to me so we can go further in our training.
Any help you can give me would be appreciated.  Thanks

Answer
hi amanda,
there are certain things a horse should be good with and ones they need to respect and respond too. a horse should know that when you have the loung whip out its work time. you dont necessarily have to hit him with it but make him move from it. try snapping is behind him and kissing at the same time. point in the direction you want him to go. if he does not respond tap him with it. if he still doesnt respong tap alittle harder and raise the whip up and down. dont stop until he moves away in the direction you want. when he does stop and let him relax. repeat this until he gets it down good and goes in both directions. another way is called direct and drive. you  have a halter on him and a long loung line( one that is alittle bit heavy in material, not nylon) stand at his shoulder and swing the rope arpounf at his quarters. if he doesnt move off in the direction you want touch him with the end when you swing it. when he moves in the direction stop twirling. chris cox has videos out that are really good. he goes through all the stages of training. this information should work for you. good luck
amanda groff