First-year student builds connections, competitive edge by qualifying for Western Dressage World Show

First-year student builds connections, competitive edge by qualifying for Western Dressage World Show

During her first semester at Northwest Missouri State University, Savannah Noe has balanced coursework, student employment and competitive horseback riding - all while building community and earning a spot at the 2026 Western Dressage World Championship Show.

Noe, a freshman wildlife ecology and conservation major from Parkville, Missouri, qualified for the Western Dressage World Championship Show with her horse, HPH Frost, an American Quarter Horse. Her score at the qualifying competition in October, 66 percent, exceeded the national benchmark and secured her place at the world show.

Western dressage is an equestrian sport that combines the precision and structure of classical dressage with the relaxed, practical elements of western riding. The discipline emphasizes balance, communication and partnership to display a quiet connection between horse and rider.

"To hear that I had made it on the first go was just unreal," Noe said. "Being able to compete at a world show is such an incredible opportunity. Even though I've ridden for years, I've never been in a position to compete at that level and am incredibly excited to attend the World Show in 2026."

Noe grew up riding horses, taking lessons and doing functional ranch work. When she arrived at Northwest this fall, she joined the Northwest Horsemen's Association - an organization for students interested in horse riding and competitive showing - to explore a new style of riding.

"The biggest challenge in competing in western dressage has been adapting to the cues and the differences in seat position," Noe said. "It almost felt like starting over, and I had to focus on refining fundamentals that I thought I had already mastered. Western dressage demands incredibly subtle, precise cues that differ from what I was accustomed to."

CJ Holthaus, an instructor in the School of Language, Literature and Writing and coach for the Horsemen's Association team, oversaw Noe's growth.

"Savannah has been a wonderful addition to the Bearcat program and the Northwest Horsemen's Association competitive riding team," Holthaus said. "She embodies the coachable ideal - handling mistakes productively, using feedback immediately and valuing progress as much as ribbons."

The world championship will take place next September in Guthrie, Oklahoma. Until then, Noe and HPH Frost will continue training at The Bleu Barn in Maryville. Their goal is to learn how to communicate better so they can compete seamlessly on the world show stage.

"I'm so incredibly lucky to have access to the Bleu Barn and wonderful horses like Frost that can get me to this level of competition," Noe said. "Having access to three rides a week there has been invaluable in becoming competitive."

At Northwest, Noe has balanced three to four practices a week with HPH Frost, in addition to completing coursework and working at the Mozingo Outdoor Education Recreation Area (MOERA) and the Student Recreation Center.

Noe said those time commitments have helped her find a strong support system.

"Northwest has become one of the most close-knit places I've ever had the privilege to be a part of. The community is genuinely amazing," Noe said. "As someone who was a military kid, I've never felt more at home quite as quickly as I have at Northwest. The people I have met and made friends with are people I hope to be friends with for the rest of my life."

Noe said her decision to attend Northwest was solidified after interning with the Missouri Department of Conservation last summer. She attended events featuring controlled burns, invasive species control and financing conferences led by professionals who also attended Northwest. Her coursework at the University builds on the foundational skills she gained with the department.

"I think Northwest will ultimately prepare me to get a job within conservation careers as soon as I hit the ground after graduation, if not sooner," Noe said. "The Career Services and other resources are well bolstered, and the classes you take are to prepare you for a career, not just academics."