trainability

In working with some new colts over the past week the difference in trainability between horses was huge. Let's start by looking at some of the differences between trainable horses and horses that are not so trainable. We all want a horse that we can lay off for a bit and when we need them just be able to jump on and go. We often spend so much time and money on horses that don't and won't work for our program. Whether it is the horse or us it just doesn't work very often. Let me say that most of the problems are people problems, not horse problems. But back to trainability.
What are some of the attributes of a trainable horse?
1. They show a willingness to find and accomplish what you are asking.
2. They don't overreact when asked to perform a task.
3. They retain the lessons learned (thinks about what he's learned)
4. They are better after having time for the lesson to sink in.
5. They want to please.

What are some of the attributes of a less than trainable horse? Let me first say that all horses are trainable to some extent but some are much tougher than others. I am talking here about those horses that just don't want to work.
1. They overreact and use the reacting side of their brain.
2. They resent being asked to do anything.
3. They don't retain the lessons learned.
4. They are like starting fresh after they have had a day off.
5. They just don't like or respect you and they don't want to do anything with you.

Many times I've had gentle horses who were the most dangerous because of a lack of respect, and they would resent having to do anything other than stand at the feed trough. People think their horse is so gentle and when they don't give them their apple treat the horse will bite or kick at them.
A trainable horse is a pleasure to be around and train, they are repectful of your space they try to find what you are asking them to do. They can learn more in a week than the other kind can in a month. I've seen 60 day horses that I wouldn't want to climb on, and I've seen horses with 2 rides that I would feel comfortable just getting on and heading down the trail.
I should probably say that horses react differently to different people according to the persons leadership abilities. A trainable horse will take a green rider and often will try to listen to the rider in spite of the riders poor leadership abilities. A tougher horse will exploit every weakness of the rider and they will often have serious problems.
Finally a green rider can often mistake a good trainable horse for an ignorant jerk because they just aren't a good leader and they aren't consistent with their cues. I know a man who is fairly green in handling horses but he has some pretty good horses. He has one horse who has had reining training and he is just a really nice horse, but the man has had some struggles with this horse. I told the man that he could tell how good of a horseman he was becoming by how well his horse was doing. The horse has all the parts, I've rode him and he did excellent. The horse knows more than the rider, this is often the case. The horse is just waiting for the rider to give him correct cues and be consistent. This man also has a horse that had reining training from the same trainer and this horse today has a number of problems (bucking, hanging back, etc) if you work this horse hard and consistent (everyday) then he is ok but you lay him off and look out, he's like bringing in a horse off the desert and trying to get a saddle on him.
When looking for a horse these things are so important, find a horse that will help you learn. You learn a lot working with problem horses but it is often dangerous for a green rider and it can be the end of your riding career.