Rocio Echeverri McCandless Takes Charge as FEI Director of Endurance

The Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI) has appointed Rocio Echeverri McCandless of Costa Rica as its new Director of Endurance. She will bring her extensive experience in equestrian sports and administration to the role.

Rocio has a strong background in Endurance, having worked as an athlete, official and administrator. Her experience also includes sports governance and executive leadership, giving her a broad understanding of the discipline.

As an international endurance athlete, she represented Costa Rica at several major events, including the 2014 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Normandy, France. She has also served as a Technical Delegate, Judge and Steward at international competitions across four continents, including FEI World Championships.

Key Highlights

• Rocío will become FEI Director of Endurance in early 2027
• She brings extensive experience in equestrian sports, governance and administration
• She will focus on developing Endurance while prioritizing horse welfare and fair competition

She has experience in both other FEI disciplines (Eventing and Dressage). She was the Chef d'Équipe of the Central American and Caribbean Games 2023 Costa Rican Dressage team which won the bronze medal.

Rocio has been involved in various high level governance roles at national, regional and international levels of sports. From 2016 to 2020, she held the position of President of the Costa Rican Equestrian Federation, and from 2020 to 2024, she was the Secretary General of this organization. She served as a member of the Executive Board of the Costa Rican Olympic Committee 2016-24.

From 2015 to 2018, she was a member of the Endurance Technical Committee at FEI level. She is also a member of FEI Regional Group V, including 11 countries in Central America, from 2021 to 2025, where she served as Deputy Chair.

“We are delighted to welcome Rocío to the FEI team,” FEI Secretary General Sabrina Ibáñez said.

“Rocío brings an exceptional combination of practical experience in Endurance, in-depth knowledge of the FEI regulatory framework and proven leadership skills. Her experience as an athlete, official and sports administrator gives her a comprehensive understanding of the discipline and the perspectives of its various stakeholders.

“We are confident that her expertise and commitment will be valuable assets as we continue to develop Endurance internationally, with horse welfare at the heart of our priorities.”

“I am honored and excited to take on the role of FEI Director Endurance,” Rocio said.

“Endurance has been an important part of my life for many years, and I have had the privilege of experiencing the discipline from different perspectives.

“I look forward to working closely with the FEI team, National Federations, athletes, officials, organizers and all those involved in Endurance. My priority will be to help advance the sport, while ensuring the highest standards of fairness and integrity remain central to everything we do.”

Rocío is a graduate of the Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the American University in Washington, D.C and a Master's degree in Project Management from the Universidad para la Cooperación Internacional of San José (CRC). Previously she was a Diplomat at the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, D.C. (USA).

In addition to her equestrian experience, Rocío Echeverri McCandless has a wealth of management experience in a professional capacity. Since 2006, she has served as the Executive Director of ProParques, a non-governmental organization in Costa Rica that has been committed to protecting the nation's national parks and other conservation areas.

Fluent in English and Spanish, Echeverri McCandless will report to FEI Executive Director, Sport & Games, Áine Power. She will start in her new role at the beginning of 2027 with the exact date to be confirmed in due course.