Horses can only enter REM sleep when lying down. If they are unable to rest fully, it can affect learning, stress levels, recovery, and overall health. In this article, we explore why horse REM sleep is essential, what happens when horses do not lie down enough, and how management and environment influence your horse’s ability to truly rest.

Three days ago, my horses started a new chapter, moving from a traditional stable where they spent the nights inside (from 16:30 until 8:00) to a new environment where they can finally live outdoors 24/7. It’s a change I’ve looked forward to for a long time, and one that feels much closer to how horses are meant to live: free to move, eat, and rest in their own rhythm. But as natural as this lifestyle is, transitions can still be stressful for the body and nervous system . Ev