Would this worry anyone...?

ATrueClassAct

ATrueClassAct

Well-Known Member
Joined
2 June 2011
Messages
1,035
Visit site
My 24 year old mare since moving to her new home has been seen lying down twice during the afternoon in the stable. Before this I had only seen her lie down when she was badly ill!

First time yard owner went in and checked her, she wasnt sweating or in distress. 5 minutes later they brought her lunch net round and she was up and waiting for her lunch and didnt lie back down at all.

Today I arrived to the yard in the evening and was told by friends that she was lying down in her stable, however by the time she had heard my car pull up she had got up and was waiting eagerly for her tea. The only thing that concerns me is that she is currently coming off boxrest from laminitis with front rotation. But i took her out for a walk up the barn and checked her pulses. All seemed normal and she was happy running round her box when she saw her tea!

However she is now getting older and we have moved from a 60+ horse competition yard where the stables were all breeze block and she couldnt see any horses next to her to a yard with about 20 horses, only about 10 or 12 in her barn and can see a horse opposite her and to both sides.

I'm obviously keeping a close eye on her and yard owner knows to look out for any abnormalities when she does the night check.
Thoughts of the HHO community?
 
One of mine lay down earlier this week, he had just been treated for a rather nasty injury which I felt should have made him want to stay on his feet, I phoned the vet as I was worried there may be something wrong, she was also puzzled he had gone down but felt that it was a sign he felt safe and happy in his environment and was a positive thing. He was fine and got up ok, so in answer to your question I would say your mare is probably much more relaxed in her new home, it may suit her better than the busy yard did.
 
Agree with others, sounds like shes settled in well. Just keep an eye on her and as long as she's eating and drinking well I wouldnt worry too much.
 
If she is lying down, its usually a good sign, particularly if she is bright eyed and eager for food. Perhaps the move has tired her especially as its a busy yard.
Like Rowreach, I wonder if her bedding or the quantity has changed and she likes it.
Its good to be observant of changes in behaviour but as long as she is calm and looking alert and healthy, then most likely she'll be fine.
 
Thanks for the comments :) I feel more relaxed and might sleep abit better tonight haha;)
Bedding has changed recently since shes been on boxrest to the Snowflake shavings (£7.50 per bag! :eek:) but she seems to like them and they make a really good padded bed for her feet.

Hopefully just a content old lady!
 
ATrueClassAct said:
Thanks for the comments :) I feel more relaxed and might sleep abit better tonight haha;)
Bedding has changed recently since shes been on boxrest to the Snowflake shavings (£7.50 per bag! :eek:) but she seems to like them and they make a really good padded bed for her feet.

Hopefully just a content old lady!
Click to expand...

They do indeed make a good bed, I use those. Bless her she must feel like the Hippo in the bed adverts, cant remember which brand/make. Sounds like the ideal rest home for your old girl!
 
Safe and secure.

Mine never lay down certainly not in front of me til he got in the habit of coming in for the day at last yard where they ALL lay down for naps with stable doors open and just a bar across!!

Took me weeks to be able to catch him as he'd jump up if he heard the car but if I parked it on the road & snuck in I would see him and get pics!
 
TChamp said:
Safe and secure.

Mine never lay down certainly not in front of me til he got in the habit of coming in for the day at last yard where they ALL lay down for naps with stable doors open and just a bar across!!

Took me weeks to be able to catch him as he'd jump up if he heard the car but if I parked it on the road & snuck in I would see him and get pics!
Click to expand...

Haha! Will have to do this! I get texts from the yard because they know how much of a worrier I am. Will be creeping round to see her!
I've done night checks at like 11pm with yard owner and never seen her even then lying down! Shes up and hunting for a 2nd tea as soon as she hears me haha! :rolleyes:
 
Definately agree with the safe, secure and contented! How lovely! We bought a 4 yr old mare who was full of beans, but if it was hot she'd lie down in the field, if there were puddles she would lie in them and new straw, even a sprinkle would make her want to lie on it, she would lie flat like a dog head on the floor, legs straight, snoring her head off. Alarming at first, but we were told by someone she must be happy. You could sit on her, groom her, feed her or whatever you wanted really and as soon as you asked her, shed get up and be raring to go. She was brilliant, never had a day of illness or lameness in the years we had her.
 
showpony said:
Reckon she is content, happy and feels safe and secure in the fact that she can see other horses! And she's probably very relaxed as much quieter than your previous yard.
Click to expand...


This. My lot in the barn where they can see each other lay down far more than those in the traditional stables where they can only see out rather than their neighbours.
 
Ive just had exactly the same with my horse. We were at a place where there were about fifteen horses and never once did I see her lie down in her stable or in the field. Weve just moved to a yard where there are five horses but she is in a field with two and she no longer has to be stabled overnight in the winter. We've been here three months now and Ive seen her lying down in the field five or six times. She lets me get all the way across the field and lie down next her (which is something that Ive always wanted to do and envied when I saw photos of others doing it). She is like a different horse in many ways and I just know its because she is relaxed and happy and because there isnt so much going on she is deeply secure. It warms my heart! I bet your horse the same. I wouldnt worry at all!
 
So glad to hear others get to cuddle their once none lying down ponies and horses!
Maybe one day ill catch her!

But hers a photo my friend took yesterday of her :)
photo.php
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top