"Sharp" horses

Something I've observed with the horses who come here as rehabs is that occasionally they seem to change in ways other than their feet.

For instance, Dexter, Hector and Angel were all described as "sharp" on arrival but became progressively more and more relaxed. You could certainly describe Dex and Hex as "forward-going" once they were sound again, but you wouldn't honestly say much more than that - although Hex as we know can be opinionated out hunting, from time to time(!)...

You could hardly think of a less appropriate description of Angel now than "sharp". "Placid" would be nearer the mark, although the sudden appearance of a herd of cows, or a day's hunting can tip him into "forward-going" mode.

Bearing in mind that all these horses had long-term foot pain, and almost certainly related shoulder and back pain, you have to suspect that the "sharpness" was in fact a reaction to discomfort or anticipated pain, since it reduced or disappeared completely once they had healthier hooves.