Relaxed horse? nearly falls over if he nods off!

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This is happened twice now. We have had him about 8 weeks, he is an Irish breed and a lovely nature - we hacked him up to previous yard he was at for a couple of weeks ( 20 mins trot and walk), and when we took him up first time he was a bit anxious - probably to see his buddies that he had got to know. This last time we were stood around talking and he was very chilled :) so much so that he nodded off ! ....

He had the dentist yesterday and was brilliant. Today had the farrier at about 8 am.He was fab also for him. Not stressed at all. As we were talking at the end , he had nodded off and took a step to steady himself! is this normal ? should I be concerned .. or is he just super relaxed?

He is on 24/7 grass turnout, has plenty of hay and water on hand too so not dehydrated.. I am glad he is not stressy .. but just wondered if he is too relaxed. Has never done that under saddle. He is 12 yrs old and passed a general vet check recently.


thanks!
 
If his ears go backwards and his lower lip hangs down he is sleeping and I wouldn't be concerned. I believe Narcolepsy is something totally different, it comes on very suddenly and the horse sways and will (I believe) fall down.

As an aside our dog who is nearly three (beagle at that) is always sleepy. Soon as she gets in the car she lies on the seat and is off in the land of nod and will spend all day under the duvet. That is worrying me a little, but maybe like your horse she is just very relaxed in our company.
 
My friend's horse always nods off when tied up or with farrier, he lives out and he's a "watcher" of the herd so is rarely seen lying down in the field, it's just assumed he is relaxed and feels secure when he's in human company, farrier is used to him and gives him a gentle nudge to wake him up as he's nearly fallen over before now, as applecart14 says narcolepsy is a different issue. Sounds to me like your boy could just be like my friend's horse.
 
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