Which option is NOT a sign of obvious lameness?

• A. Consistently observable at a trot under all circumstances
• B. Marked nodding, hitching or shortened stride
• C. Minimal weight-bearing in motion and/or at rest and inability to move
• D. Tail swishing

Answer: (D)

Obvious lameness shows up in how the horse moves and bears weight, not in tail movements. When a horse is lame, you expect to see changes in gait that reveal which limb is affected: the horse may consistently show an abnormal trot, indicating a persistent gait abnormality; it may nod its head, hitch or shorten the stride as it tries to reduce load on the painful limb; and it may refuse or be slow to move, or bear little weight on the limb both when moving and at rest. These are direct indicators of discomfort or dysfunction in a leg.

Tail swishing, while it can happen for reasons like flies or general irritation, does not reliably indicate lameness. It’s a behavioral response that doesn’t reflect the limb’s weight-bearing or stride quality, so it isn’t a sign of obvious lameness.