Mythbuster Monday: Horses Sleep Better Outside
On Mythbuster Monday, we tackle a variety of equestrian myths to either bust or confirm. Today’s discussion: Do horses sleep better outdoors?
It’s Mythbuster Monday, where Horse Nation dives into different equestrian myths and provides research-based evidence to either bust or confirm those myths. Today’s topic: Do horses sleep better outdoors? What makes them prefer sleeping outside? Will they get the same quality of sleep when in a stall? Read more to find out!
Myth: Horses sleep better outside
Myth or Fact: Fact
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Horses have a unique sleeping mechanism that allows them to rest both while standing and lying down, thanks to a specialized anatomical feature called the stay apparatus. This system of tendons and ligaments in their legs enables them to lock their joints and relax their muscles without collapsing, allowing them to doze while standing and remain ready to flee from predators if needed. Although horses get much of their rest standing up, they need to lie down for short periods to enter REM (rapid eye movement) sleep, which is essential for their overall health. However, they usually only lie down for REM sleep when they feel safe, as being on the ground for extended periods makes them more vulnerable. This combination of standing rest and brief lying-down periods reflects their evolution as prey animals that require both vigilance and rest.
But, do horses prefer to get their sleep outdoors as opposed to in their stalls?
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According to an article by Equus Magazine, horses tend to sleep better when they spend time outdoors, especially with a companion. A study from Germany found that horses were more likely to lie down after spending the day outside with a familiar equine friend. This outdoor time appeared to increase their sense of security, which carried over into the night and led to better sleep quality. The findings suggest that fresh air, social interaction, and a comfortable, secure environment are key factors in promoting healthy sleep patterns in horses.
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Another article by The Horse states that horses enjoy the freedom and social opportunities of being outdoors and need ample, comfortable space to sleep well. A study in Sweden found that horses kept in small shared resting areas got significantly less sleep than those with more space. Horses in cramped group shelters or stalls next to one another disturbed each other frequently, which reduced the amount of time they could spend lying down. The findings suggest that outdoor living supports natural behaviors and horses sleep better when they have enough room to feel safe and undisturbed, reinforcing the idea that spacious, well-managed outdoor environments are key to promoting healthy sleep.
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Resilient Equine found that horses living outdoors in a track system with multiple, comfortable sleeping options tend to rest better and experience greater overall well-being. By offering a variety of sleep stations—including a soft sandpit, a deeply bedded run-in shelter, and an open grassy hill—horses can choose where they feel safest and most comfortable, depending on the weather and their social needs. This freedom appears to reduce sleep deprivation, a common issue in domestic horses, and supports deeper rest, including essential REM sleep. The horses’ ability to rest in familiar, natural surroundings while staying close to their herd enhances both their physical and emotional health, further reinforcing the benefits of outdoor living environments for optimal equine rest.
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After diving into the research, horses prefer to sleep outside, especially if they have different options to choose from. Studies imply space to have uninterrupted sleep with companions that are trusted provide horses with the best sleep. Also, sleeping outdoors mimics natural behaviors.
Do you have an equine myth you’d like us to tackle? If so, send it our way! Email your suggestions to [email protected]. Put Mythbuster Monday in your subject line.
