Runner pens should be large enough for the beasts to be able to lie down, roll and get up again without getting too close to the walls and thus being unable to roll themselves free. The ideal dimensions for runner pens are 3.5m x 3.5m (12ft x 12ft). However, 3.5m x 3m (12ft x 10ft) is sufficient.

Runner pens need a manger that is, ideally, set at around 60cm (2 ft) from the ground for feed. The actual height of the manger should vary in relation to the size of the runnerbeast, since small runners are not able to reach food placed in a manger set at a proper height for larger runners. The pen also needs a hay rack, or ring for attaching a hay net, a tie ring for securing the runner while it is being groomed, and a bucket for water. The bucket should be heavy and difficult to tip over and should be placed in a corner and braced with a cross-piece of wood.

Runners need to be able to look outside of their pens, so each pen should have at least one window which should stay open at all times, except during threadfall or harsh weather. Most bad behavior in penned runners is caused by the boredom of solitary confinement. Runners are herd beasts and so do not do well when isolated.

The flooring of the pen should be roughened to prevent the animal from slipping and should slope slightly towards a corner away from the entrance. That corner should contain a small hole that is dug out into a draining gully.

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