What is a mild form of interfering/overreaching gait fault?

• A. Paddling
• B. Brushing
• C. Scalping
• D. Forging

Answer: (B)

Interfering or overreaching gait faults happen when a hind hoof comes into contact with the front hoof during movement. A mild form is brushing, where the hind hoof lightly passes close enough to touch the front hoof (often the toe) but without heavy impact or damage. This light contact is characteristic of a small overreach and is considered the least severe form of the fault.

Paddling involves a different forelimb motion and isn’t the light hind-to-front contact described by brushing. Scalping and forging refer to more substantial contact between the hind and front hooves, with the latter often meaning the toe of the hind hoof strikes the front hoof in a way that can injure, and scalping typically involves a more destructive contact as well.