Which condition is most likely to affect a horse's way of going and performance ability?

Bone spavin, a condition characterized by the degeneration and development of bone spurs in the lower hock joint, can significantly impact a horse's movement and overall performance ability. This condition primarily affects the horse's ability to flex their hocks properly, which is crucial for activities that require agility, speed, and power. As a result, a horse with bone spavin may exhibit a stiff or shortened stride, which directly affects its way of going and can hinder performance in various disciplines.

While colic, laminitis, and dehydration can all negatively influence a horse's health and performance, they do not have the same direct and specific impact on the horse's locomotion and biomechanics as bone spavin. Colic primarily affects the digestive system and may lead to reluctance to perform, but it doesn't necessarily alter the horse's way of moving. Laminitis, although serious and painful, predominantly affects the hooves, leading to lameness that can be less predictable in how it impacts the horse's overall way of going. Dehydration can cause fatigue and weakness but is more about overall health rather than the mechanics of movement. Thus, bone spavin stands out as the condition most likely to affect performance ability due to its direct intrusion on movement dynamics.