Horse Falling Over When Asleep

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Amy_08

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I brought my horse in for an hour today for a nap. When I arrived back at the yard to turn her out, she normally wakes up when she hears me coming. She didn't and I walked up to her stable and she still didn't wake. Her head was getting lower and lower to the ground, and then her knees gave way. She fell onto her knees and obviously woke herself up, but it scared me half to death. I was completely freaked out. I've never known her to do this before.

I took her to a ODE yesterday and I'm wondering if she was just shattered, as she lives out and this was the first time I had brought her in. She is only 13 and fairly fit. I'm just looking for some reassurance, as I've been at work worrying about what could be wrong with her. I think I am going to phone my vet tomorrow, just to see what he thinks.
 
Im sure shes prob fine. Just tired! I used to have a horse years ago that couldnt lock his stifles, every night we would be in the house and hear a huge thud outside as he fell over in his stable! He would stay down then and sleep the rest of the night on the floor, in all the years we had him he never once figured it would be safer to get down on floor before falling asleep!
 
I think she was probably just knackered and needed a decent kip - silly horsey should have remembered she wasn't lying down!!
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Joking apart I understand your concern and hope it is nothing more serious than just tired.

Please give us an update.
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We did have a horse that did this sometimes, although he would have been in his late twenties to thirties by the time it started. I think it was because his check ligaments in his front legs had gone - these keep them upright when asleep.

He was turned out 24/7, so we never worried too much (plus he was indestructible!). Not saying this is what is up with yours - she probably is just shattered - esp if she didn't wake up when you got there - just thought I'd share
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Thanks I'm thinking she was probably just so worn out after yesterday, but there's always that little niggle that it could be omething more serious.
 
I have a photo of my mare fast asleep, nose on the ground and back legs just starting to go beyond the point of no return. It is commonly seen in older horses or those with arthritis who don't lie down so readily. I've noticed that my girl (26 and arthritic in the knees) sleeps most deeply when I am there to guard her. It is incredibly difficult to rouse her as she starts to sway, but I've only seen her actually hit the deck once.
 
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