He was a resolute, head-strong animal, that would go his own way in spite of all the pulling and hauling in the world.
If he took it into his obstinate head to turn into a particular field, into it he would be; or against the gate-post he would bump the rider's leg in a way that would make him remember the difference of opinion between them.
His was not a fiery, hot-headed spirit, with object or reason for its guide, but just a regular downright pig-headed sort of stupidity, that nobody could account for.

He had a mouth like a bull, and would walk clean through a gate sometimes rather than be at the trouble of rising to leap it; at other times he would hop over it like a bird.

He could not beat Mr.
Buckram's men, because they were always on the look-out for objects of contention with sharp spur rowels, ready to let into his sides the moment he began to stop; but a weak or a timid man on his back had no more chance than he would on an elephant.

If the horse chose to carry him into the midst of the hounds at the meet, he would have him in--nay, he would think nothing of upsetting the master himself in the middle of the pack.

Then the provoking part was, that the obstinate animal, after having done all the mischief, would just set to to eat as if nothing had happened.