sport horse snippets
Unwanted Mares Given Second Chance at Wellington Quarantine
H
unter/jumper professional James Lala is a very busy man. Besides being an active trainer and show organizer, he also owns and operates a reputable
quarantine center for sport horses—mares and stallions— flown in from Europe. James Lala’s Wellington Quarantine is conveniently located near all the show grounds of south Florida - the mecca of jumping and dressage competitions all winter long. Federal law requires the quarantine center to test imported
mares for Contagious Equine Metritis (CEM), a 14 to 16 day process. Imported stallions, on the other hand, must breed two test mares each by live cover. Then the bred mares must be tested and found negative for CEM, a process which takes normally 35 days. In a rush situation, with extra fees, it can take as little as 30 days. “The timing often depends on what day of the week the horses arrive. Weekends and holidays can slow the process down,” James explains. The test mares are an integral part of
the center’s operation. Currently James owns 18 mares, but he might need as many as 28 at certain times, so some are loaned or leased to him. "I really like our mares and we give them a great home," he says. "It's important that they are safe for the stallions - that is our greatest concern. So, for a mare to be useful, she has to have a good nature. They should also be sturdy and on the smaller side." It’s clear James really cares about these
By Liz Cornell
useful or they rescued them and now they don't want them. Perhaps they can't afford them anymore. Maybe they were using the mare as a broodmare and breeding didn't make sense anymore,” he explains. “When this happens, they give them to me.” James also works closely with rescue organizations such
as the South Florida SPCA, Elite Rescue and Florida TRAC (Thoroughbred Retirement and Adoptive Care program). "We have adopted a bunch of mares from the SPCA down in Hialeah and other rescues," he remarks. "They are all good to work with. Laurie Wagner at SPCA does an incredible job. The horses all arrive looking good, with front shoes and up to date on worming and vaccinations. She genuinely cares about the horses; she's selective about their placement. The majority of horses from her organization have worked out. Any that don't she will always take back." James describes one of his rescue
mares. “We have one Thoroughbred, now
four years old, with the most crooked leg I've ever seen. The majority of breeders would have put her to sleep. She is the one of the sweetest horses. I love her. I am so pleased that I could give her a second chance,” he says fondly. “And she is a very good test mare.” Unfortunately, there are times when
unsung contributors to his successful business. “They really do have a good life here,” he continues. “I lease the five acres next door specifically as turnout for the mares. It drives me crazy if they can’t get out every day. In the summer when the quarantine business is slower, they can be out 24/7.” For the CEM testing, he explains, the mares may only be bred four or five times a year. He is able to use some that are sound for riding lessons as well. James takes great pride that many of the mares he
Top: James Lala and one of their test mares, Lady. Bottom: The test mares are kept year round and have an easy, productive life.
a mare just doesn’t fit the program. "A few years back, I took in one that just didn't work out as a test mare,” he recounts. “She was very lame. I searched for months to find her a new home. In the end, I felt there was no option but to
euthanize her. I was in the office crying as the killer truck was on the way. I couldn't stand it. I called the truck and stopped it. I reached out again and this time was able to find her a home as a broodmare in Alabama." The second chances James is able to provide are a
uses have been given a second chance in life, saved from questionable futures or euthanization. “Some of our mares were donated by private people. Either they were lame or not
86 January/February 2014
source of pride for this busy professional. “We have the most beautiful mare that a family gave us, hoping one day she'll be sound enough to be useful,” he remarks. “That's where we step in. We can give these horses a home for life.”
Photos by Carrie Wirth
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