The Three Legs on, One Leg Off Concept<\/h2>\n\n\n\n It is also interesting to learn how the legs of a horse function when it is standing. The leg muscles, tendons, and ligaments of a horse have a special arrangement that locks the major joints of the legs. The arrangement makes up the stay apparatus that helps a sleeping horse not fall off while sleeping in a standing position.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The stay apparatus also helps a horse rest one leg and support itself with the other three legs. Also, a horse rests each leg at a time. Given that a horse can weigh up to 500 pounds (225 kilograms), its legs require a rest after supporting such weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When do Horses Lie Down?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Horses lie down for three primary reasons: <\/strong>To sleep deeply, when they are sick, and when relaxing. Let us explore in-depth each reason that keeps your horse lying down:<\/p>\n\n\n\nHorses Lie Down to Sleep Deeply<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Your horse gets into a deep sleep in two stages. The first stage is slow-wave sleep. During this stage, a horse starts sleeping while standing up. It is a shallow stage of rest. If a horse is in the first wave of sleeping, it lowers its head. Its lower lip also relaxes, and its eyes show few movements. Last, its eyelids are partially closed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horses usually relax one of their hind legs during their first stage of sleep. They also engage their stay apparatus, which makes them conserve energy and doze off in an upright position. Eighty-five percent of a horse’s rest is during the first stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The second stage of a horse’s sleep is paradoxical or REM sleep. During this stage, the eyes of a horse are closed, and they move randomly in different directions. Also, their neck muscles tend to relax. Last, horses have to lie to get into paradoxical sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the environment is safe and comfortable, a horse can transit from slow-wave sleep to paradoxical sleep without a break. However, pasture horses have to wake up a couple of times before getting into a paradoxical sleep.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horses Lie Down When in Pain or Sick<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Horses suffering from illness, muscle injury, or neurological damage often lie down. If your horse does not rise when you approach, seek medical attention for it immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The body structure does not allow a horse to spend too much time lying. A horse that lies for too long can develop circulation, muscle, pulmonary, and nerve problems. The problems come from the pressure from the massive weight of a horse. An excessively-lying horse can also experience urine retention and kidney failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
So, you should address any underlying problem making your horse lie excessively. Otherwise, the resultant health conditions can kill your horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Horses Lie Down to Relax<\/h3>\n\n\n\n Sometimes, horses get too tired to remain standing. Horses that run competitively and horses under training deplete much of their energy reserves. So, they always need a break. Some horses run wildly during a rainstorm but lie down to relax when the weather calms down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When horses lie down, they recover from any hard work. After exercising your horse, walk it to cool off. Afterward, bathe it and take it to its stall. If the stall is in a quiet environment, has comfortable beddings, and is large enough, your horse will lie down to relax.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Is it Safe for Horses to Lie Down?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n Do horses die if they lay down? The answer is yes and no. First, there is no standard time that a horse should spend while lying. It depends on the amount of rest it needs. However, the body systems of some horses can start shutting off when the horses lie down for a long time. Such horses eventually die because of the earlier-discussed related health complications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Given that your horse should not lie down for long, including when sick, you should know the tips of waking it up. Waking up a horse is a demanding task that requires some level of experience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, a horse can give you a powerful kick, among other things that can go wrong when you try to make your horse rise. So, try the following tips when waking your horse up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make your horse aware that you are approaching. Your horse could be already nervous, and walking towards it abruptly can make it scared.<\/li> Avoid its rear limbs at all costs. Also, ensure that you have ample space around you to flee in case your horse gets frightened.<\/li> Make a careful assessment of the situation to know why your horse cannot stand up. So, try to figure out whether your horse is stuck, ill, or injured.<\/li> Consult a veterinarian about the situation. The vet can advise you to roll the horse to its other side. The move gives pressure relief to your horse and enables your horse to stand. Sometimes, this is the only solution old horses require after lying down excessively.<\/li> Sometimes, your horse can lie down in an awkward position. If you notice such a situation, you should maneuver its body to help it stand up. However, employ this strategy while standing in a safe position.<\/li> If you have to wait until a vet comes, place a pillow or any other form of padding under the head of your horse.<\/li><\/ol>\n\n\n\nLet Sleeping Horses Lie<\/h2>\n\n\n\n If your horse lies down to have a deep sleep or relax, let it lie. However, always wake up an excessively lying horse. To do it, put a halter with a lead rope on your horse. Next, get soft ropes and tie them on the pasterns of its legs. Last, pull the horse from the opposite side until it rolls over. Afterward, encourage it to stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Remember, you should collaborate with a vet to help your horse stand. Also, apply gentle force when pulling your horse to prevent injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You should also note that lying down is normal for your horse. It is a way of regenerating its energy reserves and overall wellbeing. So, always let a sleeping horse lie.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Horses have unique abilities. But, do horses lay down? Yes, they do so to obtain sufficient sleep. Therefore, it is … <\/p>\n
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