“The best baby horse ever!” is Emma Batchelder’s assessment of her Training Level Adult Amateur (AA) champion, Eminem. At only four years old, the son of Escolar vanquished all before him to take the title with 74.6% at the US Dressage Finals. Batchelder bought him at the Hanoverian Elite Auction in 2022.

Photo – Emma Batchelder was the Training Level Adult Amateur (AA) champion on the four-year-old Eminem. (SusanJStickle.com)

“He’s been a total love and a trooper,” enthused the Florida-based nurse anesthetist. “He’s just a really smart, brave boy. He was a little tired as he’s been so pumped this week, but he listened and was so supple in the test. He’s totally comfortable and easy to sit — it’s like riding a couch. He’s four but I’m never afraid of him.”

Like Riding a Couch

Batchelder trains with her sister Nora and bought a barn 10 minutes from her, near Williston, FL, last January, where Eminem (barn name Slim) and her other horses live.

“My sister says he’s four going on 14. He’s just a really cool horse,” added Batchelder of the 17.1-hand gelding. “I bought him for resale, but now I think I might keep him for a while. I just hope that he stops growing.”

Sunday’s classes conclude competition in the 2023 US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®. Catch up with all the action via the USDF Facebook page, the US Dressage Finals website, and on the USEF Network. To learn more about the US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan®, view results, and read daily news releases, visit the official US Dressage Finals event website. Next year’s US Dressage Finals presented by Adequan® take place November 7-10, 2024. Mark your calendar!