Could Your Horse Be Losing Sleep? Hartpury Research Event to Explore Equine Welfare
A research event at Hartpury University will explore how horses sleep, why rest is essential to their wellbeing and whether stable environments could be affecting their ability to get enough sleep.
Horse owners spend considerable time considering their horse’s diet, exercise and turnout, but how much attention is given to their sleeping habits?
Equine sleep and its relationship with horse welfare will take centre stage at Hartpury University on Friday 4 December, when researchers and horse owners come together to explore how the overnight environment can influence rest.
The event, Beyond the Stable Door: Understanding and Improving Sleep in Stabled Horses, will be led by Dr Linda Greening, Senior Lecturer and researcher at Hartpury University.
Organised by Hartpury’s Equestrian Research Club, the evening will explore how horses sleep, how their sleep behaviour can be measured and the factors that may prevent them from resting effectively.
Why Equine Sleep Matters
Unlike humans, horses sleep in short periods throughout the day and night. Although they can rest while standing, horses generally need to lie down to achieve rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
Factors including bedding, stable space, social surroundings and physical discomfort can influence their ability to rest.
Dr Greening said: “Sleep is an essential part of equine wellbeing, yet it’s an area that can sometimes be overlooked in everyday horse management.
“Through this event, we want to help horse owners, students and equestrian professionals better understand how horses sleep, why it matters and how the environments we provide can influence their ability to rest.”
The summit will share scientific research alongside practical considerations for horse owners, encouraging greater awareness of how everyday management decisions can influence sleep and welfare.
Event Details and Booking
The event takes place on Friday 4 December 2026, from 6pm to 8.30pm, at the University Learning Hub, Hartpury University, Gloucestershire.
Tickets cost £6, with free entry for Hartpury students. Refreshments will be provided.
For further information and to reserve a place, visit the Hartpury University booking website.