Robert Horton of Wagon Train played the role of Flint McCollough in more than 180 episodes of the iconic Western series. His character was a skilled scout who served as a guide, problem-solver, and moral anchor for the wagon train.

Part of the reason the actor was so effective in the role is that he loved to learn. Whether it was about his roles, his craft as an actor, or a wide range of personal interests and hobbies, he believed the ability to learn was one of the most important things a person could do.

For Horton, that mindset became essential preparation for portraying McCollough, a character who was constantly adapting to new environments and challenges.

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In a 1961 column for The Miami Herald, Horton wrote that he had taught himself to box, ride a motorcycle, handle a gun and fence, among other skills. Many of these skills were useful on TV and as personal hobbies, and they also made for a popular party trick.

"In Wagon Train it was necessary to become an expert rider and even learn how to use a bow and arrow," Horton wrote. "These are the physical things. More important, I had to learn about this person I was going to become, a scout named Flint McCollough."

"Today, Flint McCollough keeps Robert Horton, the actor, a very busy man," Horton continued. "I do, however, manage to continue to learn both in my personal and professional life."

One of those newer skills he began exploring was flying. His drive to keep learning new things may have been part of what made him one of the most interesting figures in the industry.

"When the day comes I lose the urge to learn, I’ll feel I’ve had it," Horton wrote. "School is never out for a film actor. I don’t think it should ever be over for anyone."

"In my business, you are forced to learn many things, and being a perfectionist, this is not easy by a long shot. Don’t get me wrong; I don’t claim to be an expert at everything I have to do, but I learn it well enough so people versed in that field don’t laugh at me."

That philosophy of constant learning mirrored Flint McCollough’s own adaptability—both the actor and the character relied on curiosity, discipline, and the willingness to master new skills.