EFJ declines to sanction Grand Caribe show jumping meet hosted by Hyde

The Jamaican staging of the Grand Caribe show jumping competition, which drew riders and clubs from across the Caribbean and Central America, has been clouded by a dispute with the national governing body after the Equestrian Federation of Jamaica said it did not sanction the meet.

Former national rider Julian Hyde, who organised the event through Hyde Riding Academy, said the showcase of regional talent went ahead without EFJ backing. He said organisers had invested heavily in mounting the competition and had hoped for federation support that did not materialise this time, though local clubs and the sport’s domestic support network stepped in to make the show possible.

When TVJ Sports sought comment from EFJ president Heidi Lala, the federation pointed to a press release dated May 30. That statement described the competition as a private show that the EFJ had not endorsed. It also affirmed the federation’s commitment to ethical sporting standards aligned with the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA), and urged stakeholders to respect the national federation’s authority and to familiarise themselves with the governing body’s code of conduct.

The EFJ had issued a comparable notice in August last year clarifying that the Caribbean Equestrian Association, of which the federation is a member, should not be confused with the Caribbean Equestrian Academy, which it identified as a private riding club with no affiliation to the EFJ.

Hyde said he regretted that collaboration with the federation was not possible for this edition but hoped strong reviews and solid performances would encourage the EFJ to partner with organisers for a future staging. A third Grand Caribe meeting is planned for next year.

In the interim, Hyde said his priority remains developing local riders, with or without federation support, citing a core group of supporters able to give athletes the experience they need.

EFJ board members Danielle Melvin and Betty Wates were among those who attended the two-day competition.