Which of the following would not typically be a sign of an equine's discomfort?

In the context of equine behavior and signs of discomfort, increased energy in a horse is not typically associated with pain or distress. When horses are in discomfort, they often exhibit signs such as pinning their ears back, excessive yawning, or nipping—behaviors that indicate agitation, fear, or irritation. Increased energy can suggest that a horse is excited, alert, or playful rather than uncomfortable.

For example, pinning ears back is a classic sign of irritation or aggression, often indicating that the horse feels threatened or annoyed. Excessive yawning can stem from stress or discomfort; it may also be a sign of pain. Nipping at people is often a defensive behavior, signaling that the horse might be experiencing irritation or discomfort. Therefore, among the options given, increased energy stands out as a behavior that does not align with typical signs of discomfort in horses.