If a horse's right forelock is sore, what happens to its head when the right foot hits the ground at a trot?

When a horse's forelock is sore, it may move its head in response to discomfort, particularly during activities such as trotting. As the right foot makes contact with the ground, the natural reaction for the horse, if experiencing discomfort, is to elevate its head. This movement is instinctual and a way for the horse to alleviate pain or adjust to the discomfort felt in the forelock area.

Elevating the head could also be a reaction to how the horse is trying to redistribute its weight or find a more comfortable position for its neck and back, allowing it to avoid putting excessive strain on the sore area. This physiological response illustrates how a horse's head and limbs work in coordination, emphasizing the importance of rider awareness regarding any pain or discomfort a horse may experience during riding or training.

The other options reflect different potential head movements, but they do not align with the expected behavior of a horse dealing with discomfort in the forelock. For instance, the head going down or remaining level does not account for the compensatory action due to pain, while shaking side to side generally indicates agitation or irritation rather than a direct reaction to a sore spot on the forelock.