Page 83 - The Mini Horse Magazine 2023 No 1

How we can know if horse is sleeping?
Equines stretch flat when sleeping deeply, so
you can’t misinterpret it for something else. You
might often realize that your horse has dreams
if its legs start to twitch. Conversely, a dozing
horse can be more challenging to spot but not
impossible. In this case, the animal will transfer
its body weight on both forelegs and one rear
limb. The other leg will rest and remain slightly
raised with the hoof tip touching the ground.
Most often, the neck and the head will bend
downwards. The ears will remain relaxed. Your
horse will also close its eyes and twitch or droop
its lower lip. Finally, if you get the impression
that the animal is leaning on its hip, it is probably
napping.

Though partly resting while standing, horses
must lie down to get sufficient desynchronized
sleep. Frequent bouts of deep sleep are vital for
the equine nervous system and learning new
things. REM sleep also helps horses stay calm,
focused and create memories. Solid rest will
boost the horse’s wellbeing and impact their In several cases, horses with sleeping disorders
overall performance. Hence, taking proper care have collapsed during show and major
and ensuring your equine friend gets enough equestrian events. Sudden collapses can also
sleep is essential. Above all, owners must always occur due to joint or muscle problems. The most
provide safe surroundings for horses to rest. frequent injuries in equines are bone trauma,
ligament, or tendon injury.

They should also check whether the stall is Finally, not having adequate room to lie flat
too noisy, cold, or hot and eliminate typical and stretch will prevent the horse from getting
stressors. Other reasons why a horse might not REM sleep. As a result, the animal will feel
sleep enough include isolation and confined extreme drowsiness. Horses that suffer from
spaces. Unfamiliar and unsafe territory can also sleep disorders can often wake up at night and
prevent your horse from resting well.
display excessive movements. Another severe
sleep deficit condition in equines is narcolepsy.
Consequences of sleep deprivation Though rare, this disease is incurable and affects
Lack of sleep will distort equine eating patterns, the central nervous system. As a result, an
physical shape, and overall performance. A sleep- alert horse can have sudden sleep attacks and
deprived horse will soon become weak, heavy- muscle tone loss. Hypersomnia is another grave
eyed, and unable to control its body temperature. condition in equines and involves excessive
Although the animal might consume more food sleep.
than usual, it can still lose weight. When horses
suffer from sleep deprivation, you will likely spot Equines possess a unique ability to rest while
the negative impact a couple of days later. Tired standing up. However, they also need to lie down
horses will become restless, irritable, and bad- to have a proper sleep. The fact that horses can
tempered. Even worse, a sleep-deprived horse doze in two different positions confuses many
can attack and pose a danger to humans and people. Hopefully, this article debunked some
other animals around. myths about horse sleeping patterns.

Miniature Horse Magazine • Issue 1/2023 | 83