To Get Some REM Sleep<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nOkay, so you know how we said that horses sleep standing up? Well, although they achieve most of their sleep while standing, they need to lay down for a small amount of time in order to get some REM sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is because they cannot get REM sleep while standing, as a part of their brain is still somewhat alert, in case they need to flee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a general rule, horses need between two to three hours of REM sleep every 24 hours, and they will usually get this REM sleep by laying down for short amounts of time (usually around 10 to 30 minutes), in the form of power naps!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So although they get most of their sleep while standing, they will have very short power naps in which they lay down, every now and then.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The problem is that a horse will only lay down if it feels comfortable and safe within its environment, so it is important to ensure that your horse has this, so they can get their REM power naps in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To Relax And Laze About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf your horse is happy and comfortable and feels completely safe in the environment it is in, it\u2019s quite normal for them to lay down and relax for a bit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is especially common on nice sunny days, in which horses will lay down and laze about, enjoying doing nothing at all. You could even join your horse and lay down with them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because They Are In Pain<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\nIf your horse is in pain, due to an injury or an illness, it could be that they are unable to remain standing for long periods of time, which is why they are laying down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, if a horse sleeps laying down all through the night, this is usually a sign of illness or injury, unless it is a sign of old age or exhaustion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you do notice your horse laying down more than usual, make sure to check for any injuries or illness!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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