laying horse

Question
I have a mini paint, that I just recently bought.  I have heard that if a horse lays down than it is sick or colicing and to get him up immediately, however I have noticed my horse laying down.  Is this normal for them to lay down occasionaly?  He gets up as soon as I approach him.  Just wondering if horses do lay down and if that is o.k., or a sign of sickness.
     Thank you.

Answer
Hello!
This laying down is normal, and he is most likely just sleepy.  My horse does this a lot.  If he is laying down, and he doesn't look normal, or he's thrashing, rolling, getting up and down frequently, and/or been off his feed, then something is wrong.  Otherwise, this is perfectly normal!
Rhea Brown
PS- Have fun with your mini!