Many horse owners notice yawning, licking and chewing, or a lowered neck during bodywork sessions, but what do these signs actually mean? Learn how to recognize genuine relaxation and understand the subtle changes that may indicate your horse is becoming more comfortable in their body.

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.