Which of the following is listed as a sign of obvious lameness?

• A. Minimal weight-bearing in motion and/or at rest and inability to move
• B. Polite demeanor
• C. Frequent brushing
• D. Tail swishing

Answer: (A)

Obvious lameness is most clearly shown when a horse cannot bear weight on a limb or only lightly bears weight, and may even be unable to move. That direct loss of weight-bearing, in motion or at rest, is the strongest, observable sign of a problem, which is why this option is the best answer. The other choices describe behaviors or grooming actions that don’t reflect a physical inability to move or support weight—polite demeanor is temperament, frequent brushing is routine care, and tail swishing is a reaction to irritation or insects, not a gait abnormality.