The global equestrian landscape is set to gain a powerful new Caribbean perspective at its top decision-making tables, after Heidi Lalor, president of the Equestrian Federation of Jamaica (EFJ), secured a historic appointment to the prestigious International Equestrian Federation (FEI) Solidarity Committee. The confirmation of Lalor’s appointment came during the FEI General Assembly held in Hong Kong, where she won a seat representing Group IV — a regional bloc encompassing Canada, the United States, and the entire Caribbean. She takes her place on a diverse, globally representative panel that also includes delegates from Qatar, Bolivia, Cambodia, Kenya, Uzbekistan, Finland, and Guatemala. This milestone marks the first time a Jamaican representative has earned a seat on the influential committee, extending a regional legacy of Caribbean participation that previously included representatives from Haiti, the Cayman Islands, and the Bahamas. Lalor’s appointment comes on the heels of five years of strategic, results-driven leadership at the head of the EFJ. During her tenure, she has overseen transparent and effective management of international development grants, boosted community morale across the regional equestrian community, and expanded support for athlete training, coach education, and participation in FEI World Challenge competitions. Reflecting on her selection, Lalor attributes the achievement to both aligned priorities and a proven track record of delivering impact across the Caribbean. “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 shared. “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.” Lalor notes that her appointment is part of a broader, tangible upward trend for Caribbean equestrian sport on the global stage. She pointed to recent regional wins: Barbados now holds a seat at the FEI Board level, Trinidad and Tobago maintains consistent, high-quality performance across Olympic disciplines using horses bred and trained locally, and nations including the Cayman Islands, Bermuda, and the Bahamas are advancing their own FEI Solidarity-backed development projects. For Lalor, the appointment is also a deeply personal full-circle moment, rooted in decades of support from FEI development programs. Since 2003, she has benefited from FEI-funded coaching initiatives across the Caribbean, training in Trinidad and Tobago, the Cayman Islands, and her home country of Jamaica. “I’m a product of these initiatives,” she explained. “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 alongside Ingmar De Vos — FEI President, Solidarity Chair, and newly appointed International Olympic Committee Board member — Lalor says her role will go far beyond formal representation to drive active, inclusive global development of the sport. “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 priorities are clear: unify Caribbean equestrian nations to raise the region’s global profile, and expand access to the sport by creating more development opportunities on individual Caribbean islands. “My goal is to continue enhancing regional standards and creating more on-island access through professional courses provided by FEI Solidarity,” she said, noting that expanded certification for local coaches and officials will be a core pillar of long-term, sustainable growth. She also emphasized the foundational role of strong governance, noting that robust administrative frameworks build trust with international stakeholders and unlock sustained development 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.” Even as she celebrates this milestone, Lalor acknowledges the persistent challenges facing small island equestrian communities, most notably the gap between grassroots participation and elite 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, funding, and governance, Lalor says her appointment carries a critical message for young Caribbean equestrians. “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 to emerging equestrian leaders and athletes is simple but impactful: “Whether you are an Olympian, rider, or coach, support your National Federation. Show up, stay positive, and put in the work, support will follow.” Launched in 2012, the FEI Solidarity programme remains focused on its core mission: expanding global access to equestrian sport, growing grassroots participation, raising competitive and administrative standards, and strengthening connections across the global equestrian community.