Heidi Lalor Wins Historic FEI Solidarity Seat for Jamaica and the Wider Caribbean

Jamaica has secured new influence in international horse sport development after Equestrian Federation of Jamaica (EFJ) President Heidi Lalor was appointed to the FEI Solidarity Committee.

Her appointment was confirmed at the FEI General Assembly in Hong Kong, where she won the Group IV position. That group covers Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.

Lalor now serves on a global committee that also includes members from Qatar, Bolivia, Cambodia, Kenya, Uzbekistan, Finland and Guatemala.

This is the first time Jamaica has held a seat on the FEI Solidarity Committee. The breakthrough adds to earlier Caribbean representation from Haiti, the Cayman Islands and The Bahamas.

The selection follows five years of leadership at the EFJ, during which Lalor guided the federation’s use of international grant funding and pushed programmes aimed at training, education and World Challenge competition support. She also said that effort helped lift motivation across the local community.

At the Hong Kong meeting, she was part of a Solidarity team that included Jaime Morillio, PAEC Development Officer; Andreina Wipraechtiger, Solidarity Senior Manager; and Jean-Philippe Camboulives, Director of FEI Solidarity.

Lalor said her election reflected both the timing of current global work and her track record in the region. “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 added that the role is a point of pride after years of federation work. “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.”

In outlining regional progress, Lalor pointed to Barbados now having representation at FEI Board level. She also highlighted Trinidad and Tobago’s steady output across Olympic disciplines with horses trained locally.

She said several other territories are advancing their own projects as well, naming the Cayman Islands, Bermuda and The Bahamas.

Lalor described her committee appointment as personal as much as professional. Since 2003, she said, she has benefited directly from FEI-backed coaching programmes offered around the Caribbean.

“I’m a product of these initiatives,” she said, while recalling training opportunities 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.”

She said the new post places her in active collaboration with FEI President and Solidarity Chair Ingmar De Vos, who was recently appointed to the IOC Board.

According to Lalor, the position gives her practical responsibilities beyond symbolic representation. “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.”

Her next objective, she said, is to keep strengthening standards across the Caribbean while creating more opportunities for development on each island.

“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 increasing certification for coaches and officials is central to long-term progress.

Lalor also stressed that governance remains a key pillar for growth. She argued that stronger administration has improved confidence among partners and supported longer-term international backing.

“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.”

She acknowledged that islands still face a familiar hurdle: moving athletes from grassroots entry points into top-level 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.”

Lalor said youth visibility is another major reason this moment matters. She believes young riders and officials need to see Caribbean people in high-level decision-making spaces.

“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.”

She encouraged athletes and professionals to stay connected to their national bodies. “Whether you are an Olympian, rider, or coach, support your National Federation. Show up, stay positive, and put in the work, support will follow,” she said.

The FEI Solidarity programme began in 2012 and focuses on widening access to equestrian sport, growing participation, improving standards and building stronger links across the global equestrian community.

The Hong Kong engagements also included appearances by equestrian Isabelle Simandan, Jamaican Olympian Samantha Albert, FEI Eventing Judge Rossana Lagunes of Mexico, and Dr Rossi Bridgelal, DVM, FEI Vet from Trinidad and Tobago.