As a sport's heroine, a dressage superstar, and a true source of inspiration for young equestrians, Anky's van Grunsven has been attracting a vast crowd of spectators during her show tour throughout Europe.

Her brilliant international debut, occured at the 1992 Olympic Games in Barcelona, quickly propelled her towards stardom. Seven years later Anky van Grunsven, at the age of 31, has ten sponsors, her own clothing, saddle and tack line, a fan club and website.

Looking to defend her World Cup title the end of March 2000 in s'Hertogenbosch, the Netherlands, the reigning European Champion is also vying for the one dressage victory that has still eluded her and her country --the Olympic Gold Medal.