Federación Ecuestre de Chile (FEDECH): Chile’s National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport

Admin_Vet_Guide 2 hours agoLast Updated: August 9, 2026

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Federación Ecuestre de Chile (FEDECH): Chile’s National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport

The Federación Ecuestre de Chile (FEDECH) traces its founding meeting to November 27, 1923, when it was established as the “Asociación de Paperchase de Chile.” The organization was reformulated in 1934 as the Federación Nacional de Deportes Ecuestres, then took its current name in 1955. Headquartered on Avenida Ramón Cruz Montt in Ñuñoa, Santiago, FEDECH has been affiliated with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) since 1935, according to its official record, and recently marked its 100th anniversary with a commemorative history book documenting a century of Chilean equestrian sport.

The Role of FEDECH in Chilean Equestrian Sport

FEDECH governs eight disciplines across Chile — jumping (salto), dressage (adiestramiento), three-day eventing (CCE), endurance (enduro), carriage driving (enganche), para-equestrian (paraecuestre), ponies, and reining (rienda) — through six regional associations that coordinate more than 40 affiliated clubs nationwide. A major structural reform between 1977 and 1979 reorganized the federation around these regional bodies, a structure that still underpins how Chilean riders access competition today. The federation runs rider and horse registration through its DataFEDECH platform, operates an educational arm called FEDECH Campus, and accredits clubs across the country.

What FEDECH Does

Function	With FEDECH Registration	Without FEDECH Registration
Rider & horse registration	Registered through the DataFEDECH platform, valid across all affiliated regional associations	Cannot enter FEDECH-sanctioned competitions
Club accreditation	Club is one of more than 40 accredited FEDECH clubs organized under six regional associations	Operates outside the federation’s structure and support network
International competition	Pathway to FEI-sanctioned events through FEDECH’s FEI membership since 1935	Results carry no international recognition
Education & training	Access to FEDECH Campus training and certification programs	No standardized, federation-backed instruction pathway
Major regional events	Eligible for FEI South American Championship events hosted in Chile	No route to compete in continental-level competition on home soil

3 Real-World Scenarios

A young jumping rider in Santiago registering through DataFEDECH so they can compete under one of the federation’s six regional associations.
A club in a Chilean region outside Santiago seeking FEDECH accreditation to join the network of more than 40 affiliated clubs and gain access to the national competition calendar.
A dressage or jumping athlete preparing for the FEI Jumping South American Championship Santiago 2026, using FEDECH-sanctioned national results to qualify.

2 Chile Equestrian Facts

FEDECH was founded on November 27, 1923 as the Asociación de Paperchase de Chile, and recently celebrated its 100-year anniversary with a dedicated commemorative history book.
In July 2026, Chile’s youth team won second place at the World Clubs Tournament in Lamotte-Beuvron, France, one of the federation’s most notable recent international results.

What is the Federación Ecuestre de Chile (FEDECH)?

FEDECH is Chile’s national governing body for equestrian sport, founded in 1923 and responsible for registering riders and horses, accrediting clubs, and representing Chile internationally through the FEI.

When was FEDECH founded?

FEDECH held its founding meeting on November 27, 1923 as the Asociación de Paperchase de Chile, was reformulated in 1934, and took its current name in 1955.

Where is FEDECH headquartered?

The federation is headquartered on Avenida Ramón Cruz Montt in Ñuñoa, Santiago, Chile.

What disciplines does FEDECH govern?

FEDECH oversees jumping, dressage, three-day eventing, endurance, carriage driving, para-equestrian, ponies, and reining.

Is FEDECH affiliated with the FEI?

Yes, FEDECH has been affiliated with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) since 1935.

How is FEDECH organized regionally?

The federation is structured around six regional associations, a system dating to a reform carried out between 1977 and 1979, coordinating more than 40 affiliated clubs nationwide.

Who currently leads FEDECH?

Per the federation’s published leadership, Jorge Andrés Kosterlitz serves as president, María Paz Villalobos as secretary-general, and Esteban Halcartegaray as treasurer.

What is DataFEDECH?

DataFEDECH is the federation’s rider and horse registration platform, used for annual registration across FEDECH’s affiliated clubs and regional associations.

Does FEDECH host international events?

Yes, FEDECH is hosting the FEI Jumping South American Championship Santiago 2026, among other international fixtures.

Has Chile had recent international equestrian success?

Yes, Chile’s youth team won second place at the World Clubs Tournament held in Lamotte-Beuvron, France, in July 2026.

Kennel Club de Chile (KCC): Chile’s National Kennel Club

Fédération Française d’Équitation (FFE): France’s National Governing Body for Equestrian Sport

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