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Why do horses sleep standing up?

+2 votes

My horse rarely lays down to sleep. But I often see her standing still and it looks like she's sleeping. Is this normal?

asked Apr 22, 2013 in Horse Behavior by (3,100 points)

1 Answer

0 votes
Yes, it is normal behavior. Horses are prey animals. In the wild especially, they feel vulnerable to attacks by numerous predators. It is not unusual for them to sleep standing up so that they are prepared for fight or flight. Some horses, when feeling secure in an enclosure such as a barn or a stall will lie down to sleep.
answered Apr 29, 2013 by (36,420 points)

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