Horse behavior has gotten complicated with all the misinformation flying around. As someone who’s spent years working around horses — mucking stalls, training, and yes, occasionally panicking when I saw mine flat out in the pasture — I learned everything there is to know about why horses lay down. Today, I will share it all with you.
Spoiler: most of the time, it’s completely fine. But not always.
Is It Normal for Horses to Lay Down?
Yes, 100% normal. I can’t tell you how many times new horse owners have called me in a panic because they saw their horse lying down. There’s this persistent myth that horses only sleep standing up, and it just isn’t true. Horses absolutely need to lie down to get deep REM sleep. A horse that never lies down is actually the one you should worry about.
The key is understanding context — how long they’re down, what they look like while they’re down, and whether there are other symptoms.
Why Do Horses Lay Down?
1. They’re Sleeping (And They Need To)
Horses get about 2-3 hours of total sleep spread throughout a 24-hour day. They can doze standing up thanks to a clever system of tendons and ligaments called the “stay apparatus,” but they’ve got to lie down for real, restorative REM sleep.
What normal sleep looks like:
- Usually happens at night or in the early morning hours
- Lasts about 20-30 minutes per session
- Horse looks totally relaxed and peaceful
- Breathing is steady and even
- They pop right up if something disturbs them
2. Sunbathing
This one gets people every time. On a warm, sunny day, horses will stretch out completely flat and soak up the sun. I remember the first time I saw my mare do this — I literally sprinted across the pasture thinking something was wrong. She just lifted her head, gave me a look like I was the crazy one, and went back to sunbathing.
Sunbathing horses typically:
- Lie flat on their side (lateral recumbency, if you want the fancy term)
- Look completely zonked out
- Stretch their legs way out
- Get up without any trouble when you approach
3. Rolling
Horses roll for all sorts of reasons:
- Scratching that one itchy spot they can’t reach any other way
- Coating themselves in dust as natural fly protection
- Working out muscle tension after exercise
- Honestly? Sometimes just because it feels good
Normal rolling is quick and energetic. They get up right after and give themselves a big shake. You’ll know it when you see it.
4. They Feel Safe
Probably should have led with this section, honestly. Horses are prey animals. Lying down makes them vulnerable to predators. So when your horse regularly lies down in their stall or pasture, they’re telling you they feel secure. That’s a genuinely good sign for their mental wellbeing.
Warning Signs: When Lying Down Means Trouble
Now here’s where it gets serious. There are times when lying down signals a real problem, and you need to know the difference.
Colic Symptoms
Colic — basically severe abdominal pain — is one of the scariest things a horse owner can deal with. I’ve been through it twice, and it never gets easier. Watch for:
- Getting up and down repeatedly — this is the big red flag
- Violent, thrashing rolling — not the casual dust-bath kind
- Looking at their flanks — turning their head to stare at their sides
- Pawing at the ground aggressively
- Kicking at their belly
- Sweating when they haven’t been working
- Silent gut — you should normally hear gurgling if you press your ear to their side
- Refusing food and water
- Little or no manure
If you see these signs, call your vet immediately. Don’t wait to see if it gets better. Colic can turn life-threatening fast.
Exhaustion or Weakness
A horse that goes down and can’t or won’t stand back up might be dealing with:
- Severe illness
- Complete exhaustion
- Neurological issues
- An injury you might not be able to see
- Metabolic crisis
Staying Down Too Long
Horses aren’t designed to lie flat for hours on end. Their body weight pressing against the ground can cause:
- Pressure sores
- Nerve damage in the legs
- Breathing problems from the weight on their lungs
- Muscle damage
If your horse has been down for more than 2-3 hours and won’t get up, that’s a veterinary emergency. No question.
How Long Do Horses Normally Stay Down?
Here’s a quick reference I wish someone had given me when I started out:
- Total lying time per day: 30 minutes to 3 hours
- Single rest session: Usually 20-30 minutes
- REM sleep episodes: 5-10 minutes at a stretch
- Rolling: 1-2 minutes, then they’re up and shaking off
Younger horses and seniors tend to spend more time lying down than horses in their prime years. That’s normal.
Do Horses Lay Down on Their Side?
They do, and it freaks people out. There are actually two lying positions:
Sternal Recumbency
Legs tucked under, chest on the ground. This is the more common position because they can get up quickly from it. Think of it as sleeping with one eye open.
Lateral Recumbency
Completely flat on their side. Looks dramatic — I get it. But this is usually just a very relaxed, very comfortable horse getting their deep sleep or soaking up some sun. That’s what makes this behavior endearing to us horse people — they’re showing you they trust their environment completely.
My Horse Never Lies Down — Should I Worry?
Actually, yes. A horse that never lies down might be dealing with:
- Feeling unsafe — new barn, aggressive pasture mates, or slippery footing
- Pain — arthritis or joint problems that make standing back up painful
- Cramped stall — not enough space to get down and up safely
- Bad bedding — wet, thin, or uncomfortable
- Herd dynamics — lower-ranking horses sometimes won’t lie down because they don’t feel protected
Sleep deprivation in horses is real and it can lead to:
- Sudden collapse episodes
- Injuries from unexpected falls
- Mood and behavioral changes
- Poor performance under saddle
What to Do If Your Horse Won’t Get Up
Step 1: Don’t Panic. Assess.
Walk over calmly and look at the situation from a safe distance. Check for:
- Any signs of pain or distress
- Whether they’re breathing normally
- Obvious injuries
- Whether they acknowledge you
Step 2: Encourage Them to Stand
If the horse seems alert and aware:
- Talk to them in a calm, encouraging voice
- Shake a grain bucket or offer a treat
- Give a gentle nudge if they need a little motivation
Step 3: Call the Vet When Something’s Off
Pick up the phone if:
- They won’t get up after 20-30 minutes despite your encouragement
- You see any colic symptoms
- They seem weak, confused, or out of it
- There’s any visible injury
- This is completely out of character for them
Step 4: Keep a Down Horse Safe
While you’re waiting for help:
- Protect their head so they don’t bang it around
- Keep the environment as calm and quiet as possible
- Don’t try to force them up if they might be hurt
- Slide a blanket or pad under their head if you can
Setting Up a Space Where Your Horse Will Actually Rest
You can encourage healthy lying-down habits by providing:
- Big enough stall — at least 12×12 feet for an average-sized horse
- Deep, clean bedding — shavings, straw, or pellets, and keep it dry
- Safe pasture ground — level terrain without holes or dips
- Herd mates that get along — bullying disrupts everyone’s rest
- Consistent routine — horses are creatures of habit, and predictability reduces anxiety
The Bottom Line
After years of being around horses, I’ve learned to take a breath before running across the pasture every time I see one lying down. Usually it’s nothing. They’re resting, sunbathing, or just enjoying a good roll.
The trick is knowing your horse well enough to recognize when something’s different. Here’s the quick summary:
- Lying down for REM sleep is necessary and healthy
- Normal sessions are relaxed and last 20-30 minutes
- Colic signs: repeated up-and-down, violent rolling, obvious distress
- A horse that never lies down may have pain or anxiety issues
- Down for 2+ hours and won’t rise? Call the vet immediately
Learn more about horse behavior to better understand your equine companion.
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