How do I get my horses to sleep?

Horses are crepuscular, which means they are most active at dawn and dusk. They spend the majority of their day sleeping, with foals and weanlings sleeping up to 12 hours a day, while adults sleep for about 4 hours. Horses prefer to sleep standing up, this is both a behavioral and neurological adaptation that is a result of how their bodies are made, this is an instinct that can't be trained away. They only lie down when they are in deep sleep, which for a horse only lasts about 15-20 minutes at a time.

Here are some tips to create a comfortable sleeping environment for your horses:

- Provide a quiet, dark place to sleep. Horses are easily spooked, so it is important to provide a place where they can feel safe and relaxed. The sleeping area should be free from loud noises, bright lights, and other distractions.

- Make sure your horse is comfortable standing. Horses need to be able to stretch out their legs and move around comfortably while they are sleeping. The floor of the sleeping area should be firm and level, and there should be no sharp objects that could injure your horse.

- Provide a hay feeder or forage pile near the sleeping area. Horses like to eat and sleep, and providing them with a hay feeder or forage pile will help them to stay entertained while they are trying to sleep.

- Limit the amount of time that your horse is stalled. Horses are social animals and they need to be able to move around and interact with each other. If your horse is stalled for too long, it can become bored and stressed, which can make it difficult for them to sleep.

- Keep your horse's sleeping schedule regular. Horses are creatures of habit, and they like to have a regular sleeping schedule. Try to feed, groom, and exercise your horse at the same time each day.

- Consult a veterinarian if your horse is having difficulty sleeping. If you have tried all these tips and your horse still is having difficulty sleeping, it is important to consult a veterinarian. There may be a medical condition that is preventing your horse from getting enough sleep.