A mountain of emotion, with horses at its heart...

The strong bond between the community at San Patrignano and the sport of international show jumping was highlighted today by two of the world's top riders - Ireland's Jessica Kuerten who is sixth in the Rolex World Rankings and World No. 10 Marco Kutscher from Germany.

Marco, winner of the opening Mapei Young Horse competition with Loretto Classic today (Sunday) said, "at San Patrignano they understand that being with horses is a very special thing - its good for people to care for horses and to be with them - its a very special feeling", and Jessica agreed.

"This lovely place is a mountain full of emotion, a place where people with big problems come to change their lives and the course their lives are taking" Jessica said. "It enables them to find their way - to find friendship and reason and purpose, to become strong and to find courage and many of them achieve their goals through their relationship and contact with horses. San Patrignano is a tribute to the Muccioli family, especially after the death of their father Vincenzo" Jessica said.

"The love of horses does great things for people" she continued. "They are after all flight animals, if they get a fright or someone treats them badly then they want to run away, yet the biggest, strongest horse often becomes a gentle giant in the presence of a child. They are the best companions. A horse doesn't care about the things that bother us humans, but they do sense our feelings. If we are tense then they get tense, if we are relaxed they are relaxed - they mirror our mood-swings and reactions" she explained.

"If I'm feeling bad the best place to be is close to my horses - to go for a ride or just to brush them down and spend time with them. Some respond more to you, others respond less, but they have the ability to give you the feeling of love without complications. People show you love, but it is rarely without complication, but if you treat a horse well then he will treat you well."

"Human nature is complicated, but the nature of a horse is what makes him the perfect creature to help with rehabilitating people who are brave enough to see their lives are going in the wrong direction and decide to do something about it. San Patrignano gives them the opportunity to do that, and that's why we are all proud to be be here, and to be associated with this wonderful place" she concluded.