Definition & Meaning of "Willing horse"

Willing horse

/wˈɪlɪŋ hˈɔːs/

/wˈɪlɪŋ hˈɔːɹs/

willing horse

PHRASE

an individual who is willing and ready to work

What is the origin of the idiom "willing horse" and when to use it?

The idiom "willing horse" stems from farmers relying on cooperative draft animals. Horses that worked willingly without issue proved better than stubborn ones. This led "willing horse" to signify cooperative over difficult succinctly. It now implies eagerness to assist without trouble, tracing to humanity's long equine relationship.

Example

Thanks for always being willing to cover my shifts last minute, you're a real willing horse around here!

When it comes to training a new employee, it's important to remember that you should never spur a willing horse, as they are already motivated to learn and pushing them too hard may cause them to burn out.