Photo by Domingo Cruz

By Jan Westmark

Rider and trainer James Lala is a busy equestrian that divides his time between several businesses, his horses and his other passion – snowboarding. When not making trips to Colorado for some fun in the snow, James can be found operating his James Lala Show Stable, his James Lala’s Wellington Quarantine or his Florida based shipping company Wellington Horse Transport.
James started riding as a boy on Long Island and said he was at summer camp when he caught the disease he calls, “Horses!” His horse adventures then took him from New York to Colorado, where he said he “rode and rode and rode but still found time for snowboarding.”
James moved to Massachusetts after Colorado, where he met well-known hunter trainer Geoff Teall. Together, they racked up an impressive list of wins in the hunters. Still eager to accomplish more, James turned his attention to jumpers and began showing successfully in the Grand Prix ring under the guidance of Geoff and Katie and Henri Prudent.
Now making his home in Wellington, Sidelines caught up with the busy equestrian and entrepreneur to find out more about the rider and trainer.

Sidelines: What’s going on with your horse sales business?
JL: I have a small group of nice horses that are waiting to be sold so they can start the first year green. I only accept horses that I can sell and horses that I believe will make someone very happy. It doesn’t matter if the horse is a hunter, jumper or equitation horse, just as long as the horse will be suitable for someone at an appropriate price. Last year I liked every horse I had in my stable, which is something I have never experienced before but I believe it is because I am very selective as to what I accept to sell.

Sidelines: How does the quarantine look now that show season is upon us?
JL: The quarantine is looking better than ever and we are awaiting and ready for the busy season. There have been some changes, including the fact that I no longer have a partner and I have a new Director of Operations, Marilou Azua, who helps me care for the horses and the facility in the same manner I care for my own. Having competed on the A circuit and having imported many horses from Europe, I know what the client expects. The new name is James Lala’s Wellington Quarantine, LLC, and we are still in the same location. This year we have also added a treadmill.

Sidelines: A lot of famous horses and people pass through the quarantine. Which ones come to mind?
JL: Last season I had Miss Independent. As far as people, I have had the members of the United States gold medal winning show jumping team from 2004 and 2008. One of my favorite clients is Eric Lamaze, the 2008 individual gold medal winner at the Olympics. There are so many greats and not just from the show jumping world but also from polo, racing, dressage and show hunters.

Sidelines: You spend a lot of time giving clinics, do you enjoy them?
JL: I really enjoy clinics because if the rider signs up that means they really want to learn. I prefer two-day clinics compared to one-day clinics, as there is way too much information to share in a one-day clinic. The first day is geared to stress the importance of flatwork and gymnastics and explain how each exercise relates to riding a course better. The second day is geared to riding courses and showing the student how the flatwork and gymnastics helped. I really get a lot of satisfaction working with a particular stable and returning on a regular basis to watch their progress. The clinics don’t have to be for high level riders, as I have taught many groups that were doing cross rails and couldn’t canter at the same time. I think more important than one’s ability is their desire and attitude to learn.

Sidelines: So we have to ask you about your unusual last name. Where does Lala come from?
JL: It’s Sicilian and many people think it was shortened, but it wasn’t.

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