Sleep Deprivation Narcolepsy

[marillier]

I have a little 15.2 gypsy cob aged 6. She is a very active horse when ridden and I have started British Eventing with her this spring with some success. Trouble is that she seems to collapse when out at grass. At first her head drops and finally she falls onto her face with her back legs still standing. So far this has caused no damage to her front legs or shoulders. I think it may be sleep deprivation but I am not sure. She is in a happy normal environment with two other horses,her mother and a very old 12 hand gelding. she rolls normally so I dont think she is in any pain but I cant think when I last saw her lying down in the fields. When she is in season the little pony does get excited and has tried to mount her with out success. Could that be causing enough stress to stop her sleeping? I have noticed that when she was last clipped in Jan she got so relaxed that she started to fall so it cant be down to the gelding. Her general condition is very good and so is her mental attitude towards work and we have had no problems when competing. Any one got any advice?

 

[PonyIAmNotFood]

Does she live out? If so, would she stable at night to see if she just doesn't like having a proper sleep in the field? My youngster will fully conk out in the field sometimes but is so tired if out 24/7, the minute he comes in he lies down and goes to sleep.

 

[marillier]

she is in at night during the winter and I suspect she has fallen in the stables as often her knees are dirty in the morning. This morning her mother was laid flat out in the field with the filly standing beside her. I watched her keel over twice before they came in for food. yesterday she had a long day competing but no problem.