Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
This Wyoming foal feels content and safe with his dam nearby and so rests in the lat-
eral recumbent position.
Rest
Horses usually rest in one of three positions: standing, sternal recumbent, and lateral re-
cumbent. When standing, a unique stay apparatus and a system of check ligaments allow a
horse to lock his legs and sleep on his feet. And that is how most horses rest. In order for a
horse to have quality rest while dozing on his feet, he simply needs a comfortable place to
stand, one that is relatively level and free from weather extremes, noise, light, insects, and
anything threatening.
On a sunny day or after a particularly hard workout, your horse may lie down to rest.
First, perhaps, he will try the sternal recumbent position by simply kneeling, then tucking
his hind legs under his body and lying on his belly. Horses often take a snooze while tucked
in such a cozy little ball. If suddenly startled, however, most horses can rise from this pos-
ition in an instant because the hind legs are under the body, ready to push it up.
If a horse is very relaxed and unthreatened, he may roll over from the sternal recumbent
position and lie flat on one side, extend all four legs, and lay his head and neck on the
ground. It takes more time to get into a “red alert” position from this lateral recumbent po-
