Sussexbythesea
Well-Known Member
When I went up to the yard yesterday I found my oldie had cut his chin and scraped his head, he’d been in all day resting. I searched his stable and stuck tape over everything that looked remotely sharp thinking he’d been scratching on something. Then today one of the other liveries said she’d heard a big crash yesterday and went to check and he was on the floor looking a bit dazed (she forgot to mention it yesterday...). He’d been dozing with his head over the door. He’s done this once before about 18 months ago to my knowledge when I was on the yard to witness it. I put it down to lack of REM sleep as he was turned out in an individual paddock and maybe not lying down as not feeling safe. He’s now out with my second horse and I frequently find the younger one lying down with my oldie watching over. I was hoping this was being reciprocated during the night.
In summer they’re out at night and occasionally days too but usually come in during the day for a rest but I never see my oldie (25yrs) lie down (not even when he was a lot younger) but I know he does at night in his stable in the winter when the evidence is stuck to his rugs. He does roll and gallop about and still ridden about 4 times a week with no problems so I don’t think it’s physical.
Anyhow after that long-winded explanation I wondered if there was an inexpensive way of knowing if he ever lies down during the night in the fields? Or if anyone has any ideas of how to encourage him to lie down.
In summer they’re out at night and occasionally days too but usually come in during the day for a rest but I never see my oldie (25yrs) lie down (not even when he was a lot younger) but I know he does at night in his stable in the winter when the evidence is stuck to his rugs. He does roll and gallop about and still ridden about 4 times a week with no problems so I don’t think it’s physical.
Anyhow after that long-winded explanation I wondered if there was an inexpensive way of knowing if he ever lies down during the night in the fields? Or if anyone has any ideas of how to encourage him to lie down.