Among the several projects and initiatives to celebrate the 25th birth anniversary of San Patrignano, it has scheduled to take place on July 18-20, 2003 in the equestrian centre of the largest drug rehabilitation community in Europe, the 7th International Show Jumping "Vincenzo Muccioli Challenge".

"This year's edition coincides with one of the most significant event of our history - says Giacomo Muccioli, Chairman of the Organizing Committee - In those years, we have created a breeding made up of high-level jumping horses. In our stud were born foals which are sons of world champions and the successful agonistic results achieved by our team have allowed to make our community known all over the world. But, the main role of our horses is to help our guests to get rid of drugs. Many of the 18,000 young people we have taken in over since 1978 have found, in their relation with these extraordinary animals, an important instrument which can help them during their recovery program. I think this is the real secret which make unique the atmosphere of our Show".

For Cesare Croce, President of the Italian Equestrian Federation (FISE) this year's edition confirms the growth of the Italian equestrian world: "The 2003 San Patrignano International Show Jumping has an added value since it represents a further approach step to the 2005 European Championship, granted to the community from the International Equestrian Federation. From a sporting point of view, this show jumping will be an important verification test for our best riders who will be committed, in the next months, in the main international events, as the Samsung Superleague and the European Championship in Donaueschingen of next August. I would like to express the FISE's satisfaction to have been appointed for the organization of the next European Championship in Italy, a designation born also from the good cooperation and friendship existing between the Federation and San Patrignano, a relation which has allowed to bring again to Italy this important event, after more than 40 years. And, also through the equestrian sports, we will be able to spread our message against drug addiction and social outcasting all over the world. Sports can be useful also to this".

46 riders and 130 horses, representing 18 countries, will be competing in the horse show: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Japan, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Holland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United States. Among them, many of the top riders of the World Ranking: the no.1 of the FEI world rankings, the Swiss Markus Fuchs, the Belgians Jos Lansink (5th) and Ludo Philipaerts (11th), the French Michael Robert (10th) and two of the three world championship medals, the Irish Dermot Lennon (gold medal) and the American Peter Wylde (bronze medal). Together with them, to compete for a total prize money of 190.000 €, of which 90.000 € designed for the final competition, the "Wind Grand Prix", other top riders as the British champion John Whitaker, the Irish Jessica Kuerten and Robert Splaine and the no. 1 of the Italian team, Gianni Govoni. The course designer will be the German Olaf Petersen, next "chef de piste" in the European Championship of Donaueschingen and in the next Olympic Games in Athens 2004. As for previous years, three classes will run every day (beginning at 4.30 pm) with a final night competition (at 9.00 pm). Daily admittance tickets will be sold at the entrance of the equestrian centre at the price of 10,00 € (three-day ticket at 20 €).

The Italian television will broadcast every day the event on RAI Sport SAT.

For further information: www.sanpatrignano.org