A horse lying down can signal many things, from simple rest to a serious medical emergency. If your horse won’t get up, you should call your veterinarian immediately, as this is often a sign of severe illness or injury. This article will help you tell the difference between a horse resting comfortably and a horse that is truly down and struggling.
Grasping Normal Resting Behavior in Horses
Horses are wired to sleep standing up. This is an ancient survival trait. They can doze while standing. This lets them bolt quickly if a predator approaches. However, horses also need deep REM sleep. For this, they must lie down.
How Long is Normal?
Most healthy adult horses lie down for short periods each day. They usually lie down for about 30 minutes to a few hours total. This is often broken into short naps. They rarely spend long stretches flat out.
- Light Sleep (Standing): They can do this for hours. Muscles stay tense enough to spring up fast.
- Deep Sleep (Lying Down): This is when they truly rest. They usually lie down for short bursts, perhaps 30 minutes at a time.
- Foals and Older Horses: Young foals and very old horses may lie down more often and for longer periods than prime-age adults.
If you notice your horse lying down too much when it normally stands, this is a signal something is wrong.
Common Reasons for a Horse Lying Down
Not every time a horse lies down means panic. There are several normal reasons why a horse might choose to lie down.
Simple Rest and Comfort
Sometimes, a horse just needs a good stretch and a nap. If your horse lies down briefly, gets up easily, eats and drinks normally, and seems relaxed, it is likely just resting.
Post-Exercise Recovery
After hard work, a horse might lie down to recover. This helps their muscles relax. They might stay down longer than usual right after a tough ride or race. Watch them closely during this time.
Comfort in Heat or Cold
In very hot weather, lying down can help horses regulate their body temperature. In very cold, wet weather, they might lie down to keep off the wet ground, if they can find a dry, sheltered spot.
Social Behavior
Horses sometimes lie down together in a group. This can be a sign of bonding or simply resting in safety near their herd mates.
When Lying Down Becomes a Warning Sign
The main concern arises when the horse seems unwilling or unable to rise easily. If you see horse lying down and rolling, it is time to pay close attention.
Signs of Pain or Discomfort
Pain is a huge reason a horse lies down and struggles to get up. They may try to relieve pressure or pain by adopting different positions.
- Restlessness: Pacing, looking at their flank, or pawing the ground often happen before they lie down.
- Straining: They might strain to pass manure or urine.
- Vicious Rolling: Rolling violently is a classic sign of severe abdominal pain, often related to colic.
Illness and Fatigue
Sickness drains a horse’s energy. A very sick horse might lack the strength to stand for long periods. This leads to them staying down longer than normal.
Injury
A severe leg injury, like a fracture or deep cut, can make standing painful or impossible. If the horse has trauma, lying down is a way to avoid putting weight on the injured area.
Deciphering Colic: A Major Concern
Colic refers to general abdominal pain in horses. It is one of the most urgent reasons a horse lying down and rolling occurs. Colic can range from mild gas pain to life-threatening twisted intestines.
Recognizing Signs of Colic in Horses
It is vital to know the signs of colic in horses. Early recognition saves lives.
| Sign | Description | Urgency Level |
|---|---|---|
| Looking at flank | Repeatedly turning the head toward the side. | Medium |
| Pawing/Restlessness | Pacing, scraping feet, unable to settle. | High |
| Sweating | Small patches of sweat, often on the neck or shoulder. | High |
| Repeated Lying/Rising | Going down, struggling to get up, then doing it again. | Very High |
| Violent Rolling | Thrashing on the ground, often trying to relieve intense pressure. | Emergency |
| Lack of Gut Sounds | The vet cannot hear normal gurgling in the belly. | High |
If you suspect colic, do not wait. Contact your vet immediately. Mild colic might resolve, but severe cases need urgent medical help, often requiring surgery.
Assessing the Situation: Horse Resting vs. Sick
How do you tell if your horse is just taking a nap or if it is truly sick? This distinction is crucial for knowing when to call for help.
Horse Resting vs. Sick Checklist
| Feature | Resting Horse | Sick Horse |
|---|---|---|
| Posture | Lying down calmly, possibly in sternal (on chest) or lateral (on side). | Stretched out flat (lateral recumbency), head resting heavily. |
| Breathing | Slow and steady. | Shallow, rapid, or labored. |
| Alertness | Appears sleepy but easily roused by noise or touch. | Depressed, dull eyes, hard to get attention. |
| Mucous Membranes | Pink, moist gums. | Pale, brick-red, or blue tinge to gums. |
| Gut Sounds | Normal sounds heard when listening to the belly. | Absent or very faint gut sounds. |
| Behavior After Rising | Gets up easily, shakes off, walks normally. | Struggles significantly, may lie down again quickly. |
If your horse fits the description of a horse resting vs sick on the sick side, act fast.
The Danger of Lateral Recumbency (Lying on Side)
When a horse lying on side for too long, it faces serious risks. This position, called lateral recumbency, is dangerous because of the horse’s immense weight.
Pressure on Organs and Nerves
A horse lying flat on its side puts massive pressure on its internal organs, especially the lungs.
- Breathing Difficulty: The weight compresses the lungs, making it hard to take deep breaths. This leads to poor oxygen levels.
- Muscle Damage (Myopathy): Nerves and blood vessels running down the legs get squashed. This cuts off blood flow, leading to muscle death (rhabdomyolysis) when the horse finally stands.
- Tying Up: This muscle damage causes severe pain and weakness, often making it even harder for the horse to rise later.
If you find your horse horse lying on side and it seems weak or unresponsive, this is a dire emergency. Do not let them stay there.
Why a Horse Won’t Get Up: Causes of Collapse
When you have a horse unable to stand, the underlying cause must be found quickly. Several serious conditions can lead to collapse or an inability to rise.
Neurological Issues
Problems with the brain or spinal cord can cause sudden weakness or paralysis.
- Staggering Sickness (EPM): Though often seen as weakness, severe cases can lead to collapse.
- Trauma: A blow to the head or spine can cause immediate inability to move limbs.
- Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM): This parasite causes nerve damage.
Severe Metabolic Disease
Extreme electrolyte imbalances or severe dehydration can cause systemic weakness leading to collapse.
- Severe Fever: High fever depletes the body rapidly.
- Hypocalcemia (Low Calcium): Often seen after foaling (milk fever), this causes severe muscle weakness.
Extreme Pain
The pain from an acute, severe colic episode or a massive internal injury can be so overwhelming that the horse cannot maintain a standing posture.
Emergency Protocol: When to Call the Vet Immediately
Knowing when to act is the most important skill for any horse owner. If you see any of the following, call the vet immediately. Do not wait to see if things improve.
Red Flag Situations
- Horse won’t get up after several minutes of trying, especially if they are trying but failing.
- The horse is horse down and struggling violently or thrashing without apparent reason (ruling out mild rolling).
- Signs of severe colic are present (see table above).
- The horse is lying down, but their gums are pale, blue, or dark red.
- You suspect a serious injury like a fracture or deep wound.
- The horse has been lying laterally (on its side) for more than 30 minutes and is difficult to rouse.
What to Tell the Vet
When you call, be ready to give clear, concise information:
- Your exact location.
- How long the horse has been down.
- What the horse was doing right before it went down.
- Any other signs observed (sweating, looking at flank, refusal to eat).
Assisting a Down Horse Safely
If your horse is horse lying down and won’t rise, your goal is to help them stand without causing further injury to them or yourself.
Warning: A struggling, frightened, or severely painful horse can cause terrible injury to handlers. Approach with extreme caution.
Safety First
Always stay clear of the horse’s head and hind legs. Horses can strike out or kick desperately when panicked or in pain.
Helping Them Turn
If the horse is lying laterally (on its side) and seems somewhat responsive, you need to encourage them to roll onto their sternum (chest).
- Use a Ropes/Strap (If Safe): Loop a wide strap or rope gently around the upper shoulder or neck area.
- Gentle Pull: Pull steadily and firmly to encourage the horse to shift weight and roll toward you. Do not jerk them.
- Encouragement: Use calm, firm vocal cues. Sometimes a gentle tap or splash of water on the flank can encourage movement.
The Rising Process
Once they are sternal (on their chest), they are in a much safer position. Their breathing improves, and they can better assess their surroundings.
- Wait Briefly: Let them rest in this position for a few minutes if they seem calmer.
- Encourage Forward Motion: Encourage them to move their front legs forward, bringing them into a “sphinx” position.
- Stand: Once front legs are positioned, encourage the rear legs to follow. This is often the hardest part if they are weak. Use your voice and gentle pressure to encourage them to stand using their rear end.
Never drag a horse up if they are truly weak, as this can cause severe internal or soft tissue damage. Vet guidance is paramount in these cases.
Long-Term Care After Being Down
If your horse was down due to severe illness like advanced colic or a neurological event, recovery requires careful management.
Monitoring for Complications
After successfully getting the horse up, watch closely for signs of muscle damage:
- Stiffness: Unusual stiffness or reluctance to move.
- Dark Urine: Urine that looks dark red or brown suggests severe muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis). This is a medical emergency requiring IV fluids immediately to protect the kidneys.
- Lameness: Persistent lameness, even after the initial cause is treated.
Management Adjustments
A horse that has been down needs a very slow return to work. Your veterinarian will advise on diet, supportive care, and exercise restrictions. Complete rest is often needed for several weeks to allow nerves and muscles to heal fully.
Factors Increasing the Risk of Going Down
Certain management practices or conditions make a horse more susceptible to collapsing or needing to lie down excessively.
Diet and Gut Health
Poor forage quality or sudden feed changes are primary drivers of colic, which leads to down episodes. Consistent, high-quality fiber intake is key to preventing severe gastrointestinal distress.
Environment
- Lack of Space: Horses confined to small spaces might not have room to stretch out fully for deep rest, potentially leading to sleep deprivation and subsequent fatigue requiring longer lying periods.
- Stress: High stress levels compromise the immune system and can trigger episodes like colic.
Age and Health Status
Older horses naturally have less stamina and may need more rest. Horses with known chronic conditions, like arthritis, might lie down more frequently to relieve pressure on painful joints while resting.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it normal for a horse to lie down in the sun?
A: Yes, if the horse is comfortable and it is not excessively hot, lying in the sun for a short period is normal resting behavior. If they stay down for hours in the sun, check for fever or sickness.
Q2: My horse keeps lying down but gets up fine. Should I worry?
A: If the horse gets up easily, walks away normally, and maintains appetite and water intake, it is likely just catching up on deep sleep. Monitor the frequency. If this behavior increases significantly over several days, consult your vet to rule out underlying fatigue or low-grade pain.
Q3: Can a horse die just from lying on its side for too long?
A: Yes. Prolonged lateral recumbency starves the lower tissues of oxygen and crushes nerves. This leads to severe muscle death, which releases toxins into the bloodstream that can cause fatal kidney failure. This is why prompt assistance is necessary if a horse lying on side cannot get up.
Q4: How do I prevent my horse from developing severe colic that makes it unable to stand?
A: Prevention focuses on gut health. Ensure constant access to fresh water. Feed plenty of forage daily. Avoid sudden changes to diet. Provide regular, moderate exercise. Know the early signs of colic in horses so you can intervene quickly if they appear.
Q5: What if the vet says my horse is “down and cast”?
A: “Cast” means the horse has rolled and gotten stuck, usually in a ditch, against a wall, or under equipment. This is an emergency because the horse is trapped and likely unable to move properly, leading quickly to the dangerous lateral recumbency issues mentioned earlier. Vets must be called to help safely move and assess the horse.