SFTS Hop: Three Little Words

So, winter means lots of hops? Jenn of Stories from the Saddle asks:

But I want to know: what three words would you use to describe your horse? They can be any words, but you’re limited to three words and three words only. 

Eli is …..

Mercurial

Athletic

Perspicacious

He can be a grouch, but every once in a while he’s sweet. He’s opinionated and he requires some tact on the rider’s part under saddle. Given that, he’ll jump anything I point him at. He picks up on things quickly, and I have his trust now. Some of his quirks require a lion’s share of patience, but the pay-off is big in terms of the effort he’ll give. So what if I need more than three words? Just pretend I didn’t write this last part.