Horses are often seen resting while standing, a behaviour that has long puzzled people. Experts say this habit is linked to survival and the way a horse's body is built. Unlike humans, horses have adapted to rest without lying down, allowing them to stay alert even while asleep.
Built to sleep standing
According to Britannica, horses are prey animals, and standing sleep helps them stay safe in the wild. If a predator approaches, a standing horse can run away almost instantly. Lying down would slow this response and make the animal vulnerable.
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Horses can do this because of a special structure in their legs known as the 'stay apparatus'. This system of tendons and ligaments allows the joints to lock in place. As a result, the horse can relax its muscles without collapsing. Britannica notes that this makes it possible for horses to rest for long periods without getting tired or losing balance.
Horses don't always sleep while standing
While horses often rest standing up, this does not mean they never lie down. According to PetMD, standing sleep is usually light sleep. Horses still need deeper sleep, known as REM sleep, which can only happen when they lie down flat on their side.
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PetMD explains that horses usually lie down for short periods each day, often just a few minutes at a time. They prefer to do this in safe surroundings, sometimes with other horses nearby to keep watch. If a horse does not feel secure, it may avoid lying down, which can lead to tiredness and health issues over time.
In simple terms, horses sleep standing up to stay safe and ready to escape danger. But to stay healthy, they also need some time lying down. This balance between alertness and rest has helped horses survive for thousands of years in the wild.
