Caribbean get stronger voice in global equestrian sport

The global equestrian community will now hear a stronger Caribbean voice at the highest levels of development, following the appointment of Equestrian Federation of Jamaica (EFJ) President Heidi Lalor to the prestigious FEI Solidarity Committee.

Equestrian Federation of Jamaica (EFJ) President Heidi Lalor

The announcement was confirmed during the FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong, where Lalor secured a historic seat representing Group IV, which includes Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean. She joins a diverse international panel alongside representatives from Qatar, Bolivia, Cambodia, Kenya, Uzbekistan, Finland, and Guatemala.

Hong Kong GA Solidarity Team: From left, Jaime Morillio PAEC Development Officer, Heidi Lalor FEI Group IV committee member, Andreina Wipraechtiger, Solidarity Senior Manager, Jean-Philippe Camboulives, Director FEI Solidarity.

Significantly, this marks the first time Jamaica has earned a seat on the committee, building on a Caribbean legacy that previously saw representation from Haiti, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas.

The appointment comes after five years of strategic leadership at the EFJ, during which she oversaw the effective use of international grants and helped boost morale and support for training, education and World Challenge competitions.

Lalor believes her selection reflects both timing and impact.

“I believe my selection is due to alignment with global initiatives that raise awareness and participation, such as the Racehorse Retraining Programme and the Eventing World Challenge, as well as my ability to deliver and positively promote the sport throughout the Caribbean,” she said.

She continued: “It’s a pleasure to represent the Caribbean after five years of committed National Federation leadership and positive results. “We’ve seen increased motivation, volunteerism, sponsorship, and raised standards, along with the development of new officials under the Jamaican flag.”

Labor pointed to tangible regional progress as evidence that the Caribbean is gaining traction on the world stage. Barbados, she highlighted, now has representation at the FEI Board level, while Trinidad and Tobago continues to deliver consistently across Olympic disciplines using locally trained horses. Meanwhile, countries such as the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the Bahamas are actively advancing their own Solidarity projects.

According to Lalor, the journey is also deeply personal. Having benefited from FEI-supported coaching programmes across the Caribbean since 2003, she sees her appointment as a continuation of that investment.

“I’m a product of these initiatives,” she explained, recalling training experiences in Trinidad and Tobago, the Cayman Islands, and Jamaica. “They provided coaching education for local federations that helped athletes and also established professional frameworks for federations to govern and support the sport effectively.”

Now working directly with Ingmar De Vos, FEI President, Solidarity Chair and newly appointed IOC Board member, Lalor says her role will extend beyond representation to active global development.

Heidi Lalor and Dr Rossi Bridgelal. (Contributed Photo)

“This position proves that doors are opening,” she said. “It allows me to support multiple countries, assist with funding allocation, and contribute to shaping the future of equestrian sport on a global scale.”

Looking ahead, her focus is clear: raising the united-sports profile across the Caribbean while expanding access through more local island development opportunities.

“My goal is to continue enhancing regional standards and creating more on-island access through professional courses provided by FEI Solidarity,” she said, adding that increased certification for coaches and officials will be key to long-term growth.

She also emphasized the importance of governance, noting that strong administrative structures have helped build trust and unlock sustained international support.

“With governance in place, there is greater confidence and productive management, which allows for long-term development,” Lalor said. “I look forward to elevating the Caribbean’s presence with energy, inspiration, and a deep passion for sustainable growth.”

Still, she acknowledges the challenges, particularly the gap between grassroots participation and international competition.

“Bridging that gap is always a challenge on the islands,” she admitted, “but with vision, a strong foundation, and advocacy, initiatives like the FEI World Challenge Series can help close it.”

Beyond infrastructure and funding, Lalor is passionate about the message her appointment sends to the next generation.

“It is very important for young people to see this level of international representation,” she said. “One of my first goals as president in 2022 was to show that pathway, that there is a broader vision through Federation involvement.”

Her advice is simple but powerful: “Whether you are an Olympian, rider, or coach, support your National Federation. Show up, stay positive, and put in the work, support will follow.”

The FEI Solidarity programme, launched in 2012, continues to focus on making equestrian sport more accessible, increasing participation, improving standards, and strengthening the global equestrian community.