In a release from AEA Burong in Winchelsea, Victoria, Australia it was announced today that Stephanie Dijkstra has received a wild card entry to the World Cup Young Rider Championships in Frankfurt, Germany. These Championships will be held from December 15th to 18th this year.

Stephanie will be riding the 11 year old KWPN stallion Just de Pomme by the Olympic Gold medal showjumping stallion Jus de Pommes. Just de Pomme was imported by Dirk and Sicca Dijkstra as a very young stallion and began his competitive career as a showjumper with James Paterson-Robinson in the saddle.

The horse showed superb paces and he then began a very successful dressage career with Dirk who has now seemingly handed the reins to daughter Stephanie who will be competing him in Germany next month.

Stephanie is one of Australia's most versatile riders who was very successful as a Young Rider in showjumping throughout Australia and now has turned her hand to be equally successful in Dressage.

Stephanie is part of the management team at the AEA, which involves breeding, producing horses and competing to top levels in both showjumping and dressage and she also still finds time to study Commerce part time at university.

The World Cup consists of 16 riders representing Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Sth. Africa, Sth America, Japan, USA and Canada. Competition begins on Thurs 15th with a war-up class, followed by an FEI Young Rider Test, Prix St Georges Competition and last but not least the Freestyle Championship.

After the event Steph and Just de Pommes, known as Apples around the stables, will stay in Europe and train for a few months. The final destination has not been decided upon yet, however Steph has had invitations from Sjef Jansen and Anky van Grunsven and also Dr. Ulf Moller at PSI.