I have a lazy 4 yr old that I have seen run and turn on a dime in the field, but when I get on to ride she is super lazy and almost clumsy. Very frustrating!! Is he lazy or just doesn't have good footing around the barrels? If he is lazy, I was given a great suggestion (from comingupthealley), when you work him, get him going right away, work him hard and then end on a positive note. This may help to liven him up. If it is his footing, maybe he just needs time to figure it out.