I see the boys lying down every day and almost every night-I know that is normal however it can also be a sign off founders-right? Could it be that they are more comfortable and sevure than before (only been here 2 1/2 months)but I have increased the amount of hay and grain and stareted including alfalfa-if it were founders wouldn't they not play as much as usual?

My 6 year old mare lays down to sleep every single night, and frequently for naps. I have had horses that rarely laid down. It's a matter of individuality, and yes, a sense of security. There are better ways of diagnosing founder - heat and discomfort of the hooves, the horse will stand as far back on their heels as possible to get their weight off their front hooves, difficulty walking. If you have increased the grain gradually and introduced the alfalfa gradually, I doubt they are foundering unless they are getting HUGE amounts. If they are not noticebly overweight and are active and alert (except when they're laying down ) they are probably fine and happy.

that makes me feel better-thank you

Our horses especially like to lie down in the sun. Since we board I am not sure about at night - though they generally are dirty with sand and bed and stuff so I know they have at least rolled. When 1 of the horses went to fair and was in a stall all week instead of turned out 24/7 we were pleasd to see she was comfortable enough to lie down every night as things quieted down.

maybe it is the sun-all three of then just lying down, it appears they are napping-yesterday they were so into it that when Little Dog got over there to them he was sniffing bellies before they even lifted a head -seems like Bo is walking stiff though-actually they all seem to be stumbling a bit, the farrier was just out-I wish I knew more about trimming so I could be sure they are getting done right

This past summer I had my horse at a different barn where he was turned out at night. During the day he would lay down, probably because he didn't sleep at night, and at first it worried me because I hardly ever see him lay down. He layed down a lot and layed all sprawled out. Since I've moved him to a different barn I don't see him laying down as much, but he is now turned out during the day, so he probably lays down at night when I'm not there. But like some of the other posters said, it all depends on the horse and how comfortable they are. Some lay down a lot, others not so much.

Where you are in CO - is the ground frozen? When I lived in WY my horses walked very carefully when the ground was frozen, especially if it froze after being muddy. All the frozen hoofprints were hard to walk over. If the farrier didn't notice anything wrong with them, I wouldn't worry too much about founder. It's also rare that a whole herd of horses would founder at the same time - horses' metabolisms are so different.

All of my horses lie down at night to sleep - not so much through the day - my big boy is regular as clockwork, when he is let out of a morning he has a rutual, roll, pee, cough, eat breakfast then lie down and sleep in the sun!!!! Its a horses life

Its definately NOT a sign of founder, as someone else said there are more noticeable symptoms that come before they will lie down, they are usually in such severe pain by that time it is difficult to get them back up on their feet!

While I dont think your horses are foundering there were a couple of responses that I wanted to comment on. One - not all farriers notice things like founder, chronic laminitis, under-run heals etc. It is good to educate yourself. It makes you a responsible horse owner. Also laying down could very well be a sign of laminitis (inflamation of the laminae)which could lead to full blown founder. If your feet are sore you'd rather sit right? I think it is very good that you are keeping a close eye ion your horses! and asking questions.

Like Kara said, it's often an individual thing. Aislyn likes to lie down at night, and in the sun sometimes when turned out. I think it does have alot to do with temperament and how secure they feel.

Just let them relax, we like to take the weight off our feet every now and again, so do they. I frequently find Hawk taking a sunbath in the middle of her field, and she's quite comfy.

My parents have a mare that lays down only to roll, but I had a gelding that would lay down in his stall at night & sometimes in a sunny spot in his pasture. This is one of those things that probably varies with each horse. I think the horses sense of security has a lot to do with it. Since you've only had your horse(s) for a short while, it may be getting more comfortable with it's surroundings. The only time I've ever seen a horse colic - it was obvious that it was in serious pain. The horses 'body language' (when colicing) was very different from when she would lay down or lay down & roll.

I was thinking about you and this question today while I was at the barn. It was gray and 40, but no wind so it didn't feel cold. Several of the horses in different fields were lying down just b/c they wanted to I guess. The 3 mares in one field all lay down next to each other - like a tea party or something. They stayed all together 10 or 15 minutes then slowly went about their business. Shoulda had my camera!

Lots of responses for you! Here's another!! Horses lying down is quite normal - that's how they truly "relax". And the younger they are, the more they will lay down to sleep. I have three geldings aging from 5 to 23 years old, and they are often all lying down together - especially if it is warm, or if they have a nice pile of straw or other bedding to get "comfy" in. What I would do if I was concerned about founder, is bring them each in, and if you have a nice solid area where you can lead them safely and trot them on the lead, you will know right away if they are sore. Lead them at a trot and have someone watch (or have someone lead and you watch) as they move out. If they are limping, then you may have reason for concern! Trot in a circle in both directions also, as with founder limping may not be evident in the early stages unless the horse is actually "turning". Finally, if you notice that they are standing in the pasture strangely - (front legs too far forward, back legs too far back)- this is called "posturing" - that could very likely also be a sign that you have some founder issues.
On a positive note - the first year that you are looking after your horses will be the most stressful! I remember my first year as my horses' actual "caretaker" - it's like a new baby. Every sniffle is a cause for alarm, every thing they do "differently" warrants a call to the vet! (Isn't Equine management fun??!) Good luck - I hope all your babies are fine - just being "comfortable"! Happy Thanksgiving from Canada!