Which of the following may indicate illness or injury during grooming?

• A. Normal appetite.
• B. Lethargy or reluctance to move.
• C. Increased energy.
• D. Stable, normal breathing.

Answer: (B)

When grooming, watching how the horse responds and moves is key. A horse that becomes unusually lethargic or reluctant to move may be in pain or unwell. This change in energy or willingness to shift weight can signal something is wrong, so pause, check the body for signs of injury (tender areas, limping, swelling, warmth) and look for illness clues (unusual sweating, looking at the belly, restlessness). If this behavior appears, treat it as a potential red flag and consider contacting a veterinarian if it persists or you notice other abnormal signs.

Normal appetite alone isn’t a reliable gauge during grooming, and a burst of energy or perfectly steady breathing don’t rule out problems by themselves. However, clear, abnormal breathing or a sudden drop in appetite would also merit closer attention.