I read an old book recently and it talks about horse personalities and how a different style of training is required for each type. I think it is important to find out what type of horse you are working with so you can adjust the way you train to suit the horse’s personality.
The book talked about how all horses could be classified under one or a combination of two or more of the following types:
Type 1. Teachable, docile, kind
Type 2. Stubborn, wilful
Type 3. Nervous, ambitious, determined
Type 4. Treacherous, ill-tempered, resentful
I think I have owned or worked with several of these types. I think Type 4’s are made that way (badly treated) rather than born that way.
The book recommends Type 1. as being the perfect Trick Training horse. My horse Trigger is definitely a Type 1. horse. He is very dependable, docile and nothing much bothers him. He is very trusting and trustworthy and I can present him with all sorts of new things and it doesn’t take him long to accept them. He can be a bit lazy and prefers tricks that don’t take much effort or moving around, for example lying down 🙂
I also remember a Type 2. with fondness. She was a really good horse to work with – while she was happy doing what she was doing – but ask her to do something that she didn’t want to do and she would plant all 4 feet and just wouldn’t move. No rearing, bucking, kicking, or fuss…she would just stand stock still and that was that. The only way to get around her was to convince her that she really did want to do what I was asking her and then we got somewhere.
I’ve come across quite a few Type 4. while working in various racing stables. Horses that don’t want to be there and this can bring out some nasty habits and behaviors. Luckily I’ve never owned one of these.
I’ve also met or owned some that are a combination of two types. Some traits don’t show themselves until a horse is put under pressure or into a particular situation.
Does your horse fit into one of these types?
