Which term is used to describe a horse with a delayed reaction to stimuli due to poor training?

Dullness is the term that describes a horse with a delayed reaction to stimuli, often resulting from inadequate training or a lack of responsiveness to its environment. Horses that exhibit dullness may seem lethargic or unengaged, not reacting quickly or appropriately to cues from their handlers or their surroundings. This behavior can stem from a variety of factors, including insufficient exposure to situations that require them to react, a lack of proper conditioning, or simply a learned behavior in which they do not respond as expected.

In contrast, calmness refers to a horse’s relaxed demeanor, which does not imply a lack of responsiveness but rather an ease in handling various situations. Excitability suggests a horse that is overly reactive, often responding very quickly to stimuli, sometimes leading to unpredictable behavior. Sharpness indicates a horse that is highly aware and responsive, often reacting immediately to cues or stimuli. Thus, dullness accurately encapsulates a horse’s delayed response due to poor training, whereas the other terms describe entirely different aspects of equine behavior.