Horses laying down

Question
Amanda i have a 2-1/2 year old Arab/Paint mix gelding,for the last year he was the only horse that i had, i have recently purchased his mother. when he was the only horse in the pasture he would only lay down to rest or sleep on occasion, now that his mother is in the pasture with him he is always laying down few times a day.  From my child hood have been told that horses rarely lay down to rest and that if they are down that it is a sign of distress or sickness, But as of late i have been doing more research on this and am finding that horses will lay down to rest more if they feel safe and secure. when he is up on all fours he is playful and very a 2 yr old. his appetite is very much normal. should i have concern or is he just feel safe and secure.  Any information you can give will be much appreciated.. Thank you.

Answer
hi bob,
he does lay down more because he feels more safe. horses are herd animals and when they are on their own they have no warning of dangerous things. with a look out horse she keeps and eye out to protect the younger one. congrats on buying his mother, im sure you and your horses will be happy.
Amanda groff