2007-03-13 03:18:05 · 10 answers · asked by Sazzy 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
Because they are prey animals. A wild herd will stand together, with the babies in the center. If something comes during nap time, they can awake and bolt.
They will often stand with their butts to the wind, keeping blowing sand and such from getting into their ears and eyes.
Only a domestic or protected wild horse will sleep lying down. Protected as in a young baby in the center of the other mares keeping watch.
Domestic horses will often lie down together to sleep, or they'll lie in their stall. But they'll still stand sometimes, as it's an instinct.
2007-03-13 03:24:59 · answer #1 · answered by mandelyn_82 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Horses have a unique system of interlocking ligaments and bones in their legs, which serves as a sling to suspend their body weight without strain while their muscles are completely relaxed. Thus, horses don't have to extent any energy consciously to remain standing - their legs are locked in the proper position during sleep.
Most horses do most of their sleeping while standing, but patterns differ. Foals, for example, do almost all of their sleeping lay on the ground.
Horses are much less vulnerable while standing and much less apt to be caught by surprise than when lying down. As a prey animal, their life depends on their ability to flee from danger.
2007-03-13 10:37:01 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Because their knee bones can"lock" into a pivot joint, so it requires no effort.
It is an evolutionary mechanism as when they used to live in the wild and were attacked it takes them some time and effort to stand up so they would usually be pounced on before they had even stood up. By standing while sleeping, they are able to bolt away as soon as they wake.
2007-03-13 10:24:26 · answer #3 · answered by abluebobcat 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, horses' lungs and and other organs get compressed when they lie down. They lock their knees and hocks. They are a prey animal, but they can't climb trees or burrow under the ground to stay away from predators, therefore they stand so they can have the best shot for a quick get away.
2007-03-13 10:26:12 · answer #4 · answered by Horsetrainer89 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Horses are able to stand up during sleep baisically cause the way their ligaments/tendons work they aloe thier joints to lock
2007-03-13 18:19:13 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Horses, like elephants, find it easier to breathe standing up rather than lying down because of their weight.
2007-03-13 10:22:42 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They can lock their legs so they can stand without effort.
This was important to their wild ancestors who had to be able to run from danger 24 hrs a day.
2007-03-13 23:20:59 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
They lock their knees - my horse prefers to lie down when hes snoozing though and takes about a week to get back up again - hes so fat!!
2007-03-13 10:26:14 · answer #8 · answered by Katie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
because their knees lock so they dont fall over even when there asleep
2007-03-13 16:25:14 · answer #9 · answered by xXx Catherine xXx 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they're gifted.
2007-03-13 12:26:24 · answer #10 · answered by person 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋