When does a horse experience 'scalping'?

Scalping occurs when the hind foot catches the forefoot at the coronary band, which is the area where the hoof wall grows from the skin of the leg. This situation often happens during movement, particularly at a high speed or when the horse is performing gaits that involve considerable rotation of the forelimbs, such as in jumping or during fast work. The impact at the coronary band can cause pain, swelling, or even injury to both the hind and fore hoof structures.

Understanding the mechanics of a horse's movement is vital in evaluating and preventing injuries related to scalping. The other options describe different interactions between the fore and hind limbs but do not accurately depict the condition known as scalping. Option A refers to a general collision between the hind and forefeet without specificity to where the impact occurs. Option C describes an event where the toe of the hind foot strikes the sole of the forefoot, which is a different kind of issue known as “bruising” or “overreaching,” not scalping. Option D suggests a scenario where the forefoot catches the hind foot, which is typically not associated with the term "scalping." Thus, the nuances of horse movement dynamics clarify that option B is the precise description of this