Amusing, intelligent, and well traveled with an abundance of creative business ideas, James Lala at 46 is living his life to the fullest. Best known for his multitudinous and impressive hunter jumper wins, James took some time off from competing. He is back with more enthusiasm and determination than ever, eager to return to the show ring. Although James left the spotlight, he never left the industry. He has continued, under his business names James Lala Show Stable, Inc. and James Lala Sales, to work helping people find the right horse for their personality, riding ability, and competitive goals. Several additional multifaceted businesses keep him busy and involved with horses on many levels. Not complaining, James says, “I have been fortunate that I was able to turn my hobby into a career and be very successful at it with the help of other professionals.”
James Lala’s life is one filled with horses, and the character-building term that is inextricably connected with his four footed fellow herbivores is work. Although lucky to be a student of Robert Hoskins as a child, James did not have a childhood horse with parents taking him and his pony to shows around the country. Although James’s parents gave him lots of opportunities, they did not give him a jumping pony. Instead, he acquired his first horse in college and made up for lost time quickly with hard work, long hours, dedication, and a natural ability. James is honest when he explains, “Going into the horse business and wanting to do the A-circuit is not a career choice. It is a lifestyle.” In the early morning hours when his college friends were wrapping up their all-night parties James was leaving his dorm room helmet in hand.
A special congratulations to Grace & Eli on their first horse show together! They were a wonderful team coming away with blue and more.
