Thanx missnightride! Have another one for you. Up to what age does a horse lay and sleep?

Answer 1

All ages.

It can be to roll, rest or take the weight off their feet / legs.

My draught horse passed away last year at the ripe old age of 37. He used to lay down at least once a day.

Mostly, horses sleep standing up, their knees lock into position. A horse that sleeps whilst lying down, is usually just napping.

Answer 2

Horses lay down at all ages, from birth until they die.

They can't lay down for extended periods of time because their organs are very heavy, and if they lay down, especially on their sides, things inside can get squashed, and the horse can get sick. For a similar reason, this is why we don;t want horses to roll when they colic, when they roll and thrash violently, their innards move, and in the case of colic, their intestines can get twisted. But they do lay down to go to sleep throughout their whole life!

Answer 3

Horses lay down at all ages in life-- mostly you are seeing younger horses and foals doing this but older horses do it as well. Foals are just more comfortable laying down because their legs are long and gangly, and they are still growing and building up muscles to support their bodies-- it's easier for them to get up as opposed to the big heavy, older horses who are bulkier etc...

Answer 4

Actually, the poster above me who said horses only lie down to nap is wrong. Horses have to lie down to sleep at least several hours a day because only when they are lying down can they cycle through the deep REM sleep they need for their health. Obviously they can't afford to spend all their time sleeping lying down, as they would waste precious time scrambling to their feet if they're surprised by a predator. That's why they also nap standing up.

Answer 5

what do u mean? we have 25yr old horses and she lays down and sleeps.