Rocío Echeverri McCandless of Costa Rica has been appointed as the new FEI Director Endurance

Echeverri McCandless has competed internationally as an Endurance athlete, representing her native Costa Rica at several major events, including the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2014 in Normandy (FRA). An accomplished Endurance Technical Delegate, Judge and Steward, she has officiated at international competitions across four continents at the highest level of the discipline, notably at FEI World Championships.

Her experience extends to other FEI disciplines, including Eventing and Dressage. She served as Chef d’Équipe of the Costa Rican Dressage team that won the bronze medal at the Central American and Caribbean Games 2023.

Rocío Echeverri McCandless has held several senior positions in sports governance at national, regional and international levels. She was President of the Costa Rican Equestrian Federation from 2016 to 2020 and subsequently served as its Secretary General until 2024. She was also a member of the Executive Board of the Costa Rican Olympic Committee from 2016 to 2024.

At FEI level, she served on the Endurance Technical Committee from 2015 to 2018. More recently, she was Deputy Chair of FEI Regional Group V, which includes 11 nations from Central America, from 2021 to 2025.

“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 honoured and excited to take on the role of FEI Director Endurance,” Echeverri McCandless 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, organisers 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 Echeverri McCandless holds a 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 in San José (CRC). Earlier in her career, she worked as a diplomat at the Embassy of Costa Rica in Washington, D.C. (USA).

Alongside her involvement in equestrian sport, Rocío Echeverri McCandless has extensive professional management experience. Since 2006, she has been Executive Director of ProParques, a Costa Rican non-profit organisation dedicated to supporting the country's national parks and other protected natural 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.