do horses sleep with their eyes open?

[kerrieberry2]

I've just started a new job so now I go to check the horses at 7,30. The lazy buggers are always laying down but they have their eyes open! My youngster makes growning noises like he's snooring!

But this morning he refused to get up, when I went to put his halter on he jumped like he didn't know I was there!

His girlfriend also put herself out flat like she was dead and was twitching like she was dreaming then done the cutest little neigh! I looked at her and her eyes were half open, so I called her name to make sure she was ok and she sat back up like normal

So just wondered if they sleep with their eyes open? My old mare was on her feet keep guard for the 2 youngens, who clearly have no respect for their elders! Terrible!!

 

[Shay]

Depends on what sort of sleep they are in!

Horses will close thier eyes to sleep deeply - usually when lying down and protected by a herd member on guard. But this deep sleep doesn't last very long.

Otherwise they do literally sleep with at least one eye open. It comes from being a prey animal and needing to be aware of your surroundings even when asleep. If you see a horse asleep standing up their eyes will be partly closed - but they can definitely see and will react.