Two top riders - one from Ireland and one from England - have gained sponsorship support from leading horse feed company Hickstead Horse Feeds.

Billy Twomey, currently based in Cheshire, although he represents Ireland, and Guy Williams, from Kent and 12th on the national ranking list, have both secured sponsorship packages that provide feed for their teams of international showjumpers.

"We are delighted that both riders have agreed to join the Hickstead stable," says Catharine Pinder, business development manager for the company. "Both have been doing extremely well and we hope that, using our competition feed range, the horses will go even better."

Billy is aiming to make the Irish team for this summer's Olympics in Athens, and Guy is aiming for selection for Nations Cups teams and the chance to compete at some of the major international shows this summer.

"I qualified to ride at Olympia in December and am currently campaigning my team on the premier show circuit," says Guy. "I' m delighted to be sponsored by Hickstead, and my initial reaction to the feeds is that they are really good. The horses have really taken to them, and have just the right amount of containable energy to do the job."

Billy's top horse, Luidam, is currently sidelined with an injury, but he has an excellent string of other international horses, and has been feeding the company's Condition Mix for the past few months. "I've been amazed at how well they look, and believe it's a terrific product," he says.

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