08/06/2026
Sleep Welfare and Horses.
After days of wind, rain and cold the sun has finally come out and most the herd have been enjoying a proper flat out REM sleep in the sun. It is one if my greatest pleasures to see them relaxed and secure enough to perform this vital function. Often, when we think about welfare, the importance of sleep in the equine ethogram can be overlooked.
Lack of sleep is as detrimental to horses as it is to our own wellbeing. Research has shown horses can go for no more than two weeks without recumbent (laying down) sleep before suffering side effects such as temperament changes, weight loss, hypervigilance, episodic collapse to name a few. There are many causes of sleep deprivation such as pain, stress, illness, management issues or the horses' ethological needs not being sufficiently met.
As a vigilant prey species the horse has evolved to be a polyphasic sleeper; ideally they sleep in multiple short periods both standing and laying down during the day and night. Laying down is vital for the all important deep REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep to occur whilst the standing sleeping is much lighter.
The incredible mechanism which enables equines sleep standing up is totally unique to them; it is called the 'stay apparatus' and is a series of muscles, ligaments and tendons in the equine thoracic and pelvic limb, that effectively lock the limbs in a standing position allowing the horse to enter light sleep without falling over. This is a fantastic evolutionary advantage allowing rest and a quick getaway should any danger show up.
It is REM sleep however that is the most restorative and a horse needs a minimum of 20 minutes laying down sleep per day to be healthy.
Those of us who care for groups of horses will have observed that rarely will the whole herd lay down at once, there will always be one or more standing sentinel looking out for danger. It is amazing how they are still so like their wild counterparts even though we haven't had an apex predator capable of hunting horses for hundreds of years in the UK.
Many environmental and social factors associated with modern methods of keeping horses can cause sleep deprivation; lack of social stability in ever changing livery herds, lack of social contact with many horses on individual turnout lacking the security of even one herd member, unfamiliar surroundings when horses are moved from yard to yard and competition to competition and extended periods in inappropriate housing as some stables can be too small for some horses to feel safe lying down in.
Fortunately with research and education comes improvement and progress. We are learning more as there has been much research undertaken into this underrated but absolutely essential part of the equine ethogram. As horse carers we can be vigilant ourselves and be observant of our horses habits and patterns. Cameras, especially night cameras can be a useful tool to observe them without disturbing if we suspect sleep deprivation may be affecting our horses.
Diagnosing sleep deprivation can be a complex, methodical multi disciplinary effort between carers, vets, body workers and behaviourists and there is often more than one solution. Thankfully we are learning so much more about what makes horses thrive and that allows us to do better as guardians.
Most new horses arriving at the sanctuary take at least a week to 10 days before feeling safe enough to lay down and I always feel huge relief when I see this. It is also one of the greatest honours on quiet sunny days to be out sitting on the hill and the herd come and lay down close, or to quietly walk through them and no one gets up. ❤️🐎
