Round pen difficulties

Question
I recently bought a 3 year old paint gelding. He is a proven stubburn and independent horse. I have tried "joining up" with him on several occasions, but I've never succeded. He thinks it's a fun game where he can kick at you face and charge you. I roundpenned him once for 3 1/2 hours, but he never showed any sign of submission. He whinnies to the other horses around him, reverses when he wants to and never pays any attention whatsover to who is making him run. Once he wants to slow down, there's no stopping him. I've tapped him with the whip multiple times and he justs kicks out and keeps on jogging. Only once in about 30 times has he shown some kind of submission--that was the first time I round penned him. Here's the big thing he did--He faced me. He won't look at me with his ear ,lower his head, lick and chew, or follow me. I have successfully joined up with many horses...but this guy makes me submit... Have you any ideas for Mr. Independant? Thanks!

Answer
Hello,
Remember that your horse is not trying to be "stubborn", he just doesn't quite get what the point of the round pen is. We dont need to run him until he is tired we just have to get his attention. Here is something to try- take in a stick with a plastic bag on it- he will be bucking and kicking and having some fun wondering where his buddies are. Make sure you are driving him- your energy is behind him pushing him in one direction- not straight on. You are going to shake shake shake your stick and then as quick as you can run backward and stop about 8 feet from the panel thats behind you. If he goes behind you just shake shake shake and run back to the center. If he turns and changes directions before going behind you walk back to the center and repeat. If he looks at you, of course just stand there. Dont try to get join up yet, just get his attention. Once you have that going well for you you can start to build to join up. He sounds like a young cutie! It is not about submission its about getting his attention and backing off- you have to be the release.
Try this and let me know how it goes!
Best Wishes