Of an animal, esp. a horse: stubbornly standing still or moving backwards or sideways; refusing to advance; (more generally) resisting control…

Refusing to go forward, refractory, resisting control. Later also: restless, fidgety. Cf. restive, adj.… Of a horse or other animal. Also in…

Having a stiff neck. Chiefly figurative of persons, with Biblical reference: Obstinate, stubborn, inflexible, haughty (cf. neck, n.1 phrases 1b)…

Of a horse or other animal: obstinately disobedient; uncooperative, recalcitrant.

Characterized by erratic or adverse behaviour arising from discontent, disquiet, etc. Cf. restiff, adj.… Of a horse: refusing to go forward…

Of a horse: refusing to go forward; difficult to control; = restive, adj. 1a. Cf. resty, adj.2 1a. Now rare.

Of a horse: not easily controlled with the bit or reins. Also in extended use, of a boat: difficult to steer or manoeuvre.

Of horses: Not accustomed to ways or roads; hence, restive, intractable.

Unruly, wanton, restive.

Of a horse: awkward, disobedient.