Miss Handy is on a climb to reach the top of the dressage world.

At first glance, nothing about Miss Handy might indicate she is a seasoned competitor in one of the horse world’s most challenging disciplines. The 9-year-old mare, by Mihi and out of Just Handy (QH), stands just over 15.3 hands, a quietly unassuming presence in the world of dressage that is often dominated by towering warmbloods. But as Miss Handy trots into the dressage ring, spectators and judges can’t help but notice the sorrel solid Paint–bred. It’s easy to see the mare is on a quest to reach the top of her sport.