WILLIAM Fox-Pitt, who in 2002 was the first British rider to top the FEI World Event rider rankings, is to be sponsored by equine physiotherapy experts Equissage.

The deal involves supporting his 15 event horses including Highland Lad on who he won Burghley last year. Atlanta Olympic rider William, who is based at Sturminster Newton, Dorset, will be competing in Europe and America throughout the 2003 season.

His top four horses - Tamarillo, Moon Man, Midnight Dazzler and Highland Lad - will be aimed at the Lexington CCI****, Kentucky and Badminton CCI**** building up to the European Championships in Punchestown, Ireland.

At his new base William has installed a large all weather surface and also a new horse walker from Monarch.

This year looks set to be exceptionally busy with his rides also including Wallow, Coastal Ties, Ballincoola and Cavalcade.

His five strong back-up team includes Jackie Potts who has been with him for 10 years and she is supported by Alex van Tuyll.

He plans to get his season underway at Stilemans followed by Bicton, Gatcombe and Weston Park, before Belton in the run up to Kentucky and Badminton.

William, trained by Sheila Cotter, Fion Van Tuyll and Lars Sederholm, said: "I am delighted to receive backing from Equissage for the season. We have a top class team of horses for 2003 and I am very much looking forward to working with the company.

"2003 will be extremely busy with such a strong stable of horses to ride and it is also good to know that the experts at Equissage are on hand to help keep the horses fit and well thanks to physiotherapy.

"I have used the Equissage pad for more than two years and found it very useful. It undoubtedly improves the horses's performance. To be involved with those who have developed it is a great bonus. I am looking forward to a long relationship.

"I use the pad for warming up the horses before exercise, and put it on in the afternoon to help with any stiffness and lactic acid build-up that occurs after strenuous exercise. It provides the horses with gentle comfort and relaxation."

The Equissage pad gives a deep cycloidal massage to the whole horse and due to the unique action of the therapy, the pad actively improves circulation, eases and tones muscles, and promotes lymphatic drainage.

Kim Smith-Bingham of Equissage added: "We are delighted to be supporting William, the world's number one event rider. He was one of four British riders in the top 10 of the FEI World Rankings and headed the 2002 British National Rankings. We wish him every success for 2003."