The Unyielding Spirit of a Barrel Racing Champion
“Just take a minute…. Be grateful.” - Amberley Snyder.
Barrel racing is a high-paced rodeo event that requires both rider and horse to compete at speed and with precision.
We would like to introduce our readers to Amberley Snyder; a highly talented and inspiring athlete from the United States. Amberley’s journey, marked by triumphs, tragedies, and an unwavering will to ride, has made her a beacon of hope not only in the rodeo community but also across the world.
In this article we delve into the life of Amberley Snyder, her life-changing accident, and her remarkable comeback to compete at the highest level in the sport of barrel racing.
Early Life: A Passion for Horses and Rodeo
Born on January 29, 1991, in California, Amberley Snyder was practically raised in the saddle. Her love for horses was evident from an early age, and she began riding when she was just three years old. Growing up in a sport-loving family—her father, Cory Snyder, was a professional baseball player—Amberley was naturally drawn to the world of rodeo.
By the age of seven, she was already competing in barrel racing, pole bending, and goat tying, establishing herself as a rising star in the rodeo circuit.
Amberley's early achievements were nothing short of extraordinary. She quickly became a formidable competitor, earning various titles and accolades in youth rodeo. Her passion for the sport was matched by her dedication to the sport; she spent countless hours training, honing her skills, and building a strong bond with her horses.
By her late teens, Amberley was on track to becoming one of the top barrel racers in the world, with her sights set on the National Finals Rodeo (NFR).
The Accident: A Life-Altering Moment
On January 10, 2010, just days before her 19th birthday, Amberley's life took a dramatic turn.
While driving from Utah to Colorado for a rodeo event, she looked down at a map for just a moment, causing her truck to drift off the road. She overcorrected, and the vehicle rolled multiple times, ejecting her from the truck. The accident left her with a broken back, resulting in a T12-L1 spinal cord injury.
Amberley was paralysed from the waist down, and doctors told her she would never walk again.
For any athlete, such news would be devastating. For Amberley, who had dedicated her entire life to the physically demanding sport of barrel racing, it was a crushing blow. The idea of never being able to ride a horse again was almost too much to bear. Yet, even in the face of such a life-altering injury, Amberley refused to give up. Her determination and resilience, qualities that had served her well in her rodeo career, would now become her greatest assets.
The Road to Recovery: A Testament to Courage
Amberley's recovery would be filled with challenges, both physical and emotional. In the months following the accident, she faced intense rehabilitation, learning how to navigate life in a wheelchair. However, even as she adjusted to her new reality, Amberley was determined to find a way back to the saddle. Her love for horses and barrel racing was unwavering, and she was resolved to continue pursuing her passion, no matter the obstacles.
One of the first steps in her journey back to the arena was figuring out how to ride again. With the help of her family, friends, and an innovative seatbelt that she designed, Amberley was able to secure herself in the saddle. She began riding again just four months after the accident, an incredible feat considering the extent of her injuries. Amberley's determination to overcome her limitations and adapt to her new circumstances was nothing short of remarkable.
Despite the physical challenges she faced, Amberley's spirit remained unbroken. She knew that returning to competitive barrel racing would be an uphill battle, but she was willing to put in the work. She dedicated herself to intense physical therapy, strength training, and countless hours of practice to regain her skills and confidence in the arena. Her determination paid off, and in 2011, just over a year after her accident, Amberley made her return to competitive barrel racing.
The Comeback: Competing at the Highest Level
Amberley's comeback to barrel racing is a story of grit, perseverance, and sheer willpower. She returned to competition with the same drive and passion that had characterised her pre-accident career. Riding her beloved horse, Power, Amberley began to compete in local rodeos, gradually working her way back to the top levels of the sport.
In 2015, Amberley qualified for the American Rodeo, one of the most prestigious events in the rodeo world. Her participation in this event was a testament to her incredible determination and the hours of hard work she had put into her recovery. Competing against able-bodied athletes, Amberley proved that she was still a force to be reckoned with in the barrel racing world.
Amberley's success in the arena was not just about her physical abilities; it was also about the mental and emotional strength she had developed in the wake of her accident. She had learned to adapt to her new circumstances, using her upper body strength and her deep connection with her horses to navigate the barrels with speed and precision. Her performances have been nothing short of inspirational, earning her respect and admiration from fellow competitors and fans alike.
In the years following her accident, Amberley has continued to compete at the highest levels of barrel racing. She has qualified for numerous rodeo events, including the Rocky Mountain Pro Rodeo Finals and the Wilderness Circuit Finals. Her achievements are a testament to her unyielding spirit and her refusal to let her injury define her.
Beyond Barrel Racing: A Voice of Inspiration
Amberley's story is not just about her success in the arena; it's also about the impact she has had on others. She has become a motivational speaker, sharing her story of perseverance and resilience with audiences across the country. Through her speeches, Amberley inspires others to overcome their own challenges, whether they are physical, emotional, or mental.
Her message is clear: no matter what obstacles life throws at you, it's possible to overcome them with determination, hard work, and a positive attitude.
Amberley's ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level has made her a sought-after speaker, and she has used her platform to advocate for people with disabilities, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and live life to the fullest. What a truly inspirational young lady!
Amberley's story reached an even wider audience when her life was portrayed in the film, “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” released on Netflix in 2019. The film, which stars Spencer Locke as Amberley, chronicles her life before and after the accident, showcasing her incredible journey back to the rodeo arena. The movie brought Amberley's story to a global audience, further cementing her status as an inspirational figure.
In addition to her speaking engagements and the film, Amberley has also authored a children's book titled “Walk Ride Rodeo: A Story About Amberley Snyder”. The book, aimed at young readers, tells the story of her journey and the lessons she has learned along the way. Through this book, Amberley hopes to inspire the next generation to pursue their passions and never give up, no matter what challenges they face.
The Power of Positivity: Amberley's Legacy
Amberley’s journey is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of a strong support network. Her story is one of overcoming adversity, defying the odds, and refusing to let life's challenges dictate the course of her future. Through her unwavering determination and positivity, Amberley has not only returned to the sport she loves but has also become a source of inspiration for countless others.
Her legacy extends beyond the rodeo arena. Amberley's story is a testament to the power of positivity, resilience, and the belief that anything is possible if you are willing to work for it. She has shown that even in the face of life-altering circumstances, it is possible to find new ways to pursue your passions and achieve your goals.
Amberley continues to compete in barrel racing, and her story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone facing their own challenges. She has proven that with determination, hard work, and a strong support system, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting obstacles. Amberley's journey is far from over, and her story will undoubtedly continue to inspire and uplift those who hear it for years to come.
What Amberley thinks of StreamZ Technology
Amberley uses EQU StreamZ on all her horses. She also wears our human products along with some of her team.
In barrel racing, and as with any sports horse, there are common injuries which can occur and need to be carefully managed. Due to the fast-paced nature of the sport - muscle, tendon and ligament injuries are common, along with ongoing challenge of keeping the horse in tip-top shape .
“The rodeo road requires us to haul many miles. I love knowing my horses have their bands on, a technology that helps with their circulation and pain management without making them hot! A real game changer. They have become a staple in my barn and every horse has their own pair!”
StreamZ Commitment to Amberley
StreamZ are incredibly proud to be supporting Amberley and her team on their exciting journey. First-and-foremost we're massive fans!
We firmly believe that our technology can benefit and support her team for many years to come. Our commitment is to support her in whatever way she feels we can.
Please follow Amberley on Instagram (@amberleysnyder). She currently has over 500k followers, a testament to how her story engages with many people across the world.
Amberley’s life is truly a story of incredible talent, unwavering determination, and the unbreakable bond between a rider and her horses. Her journey from a promising young barrel racer to a professional athlete who defied the odds to return to the sport she loves is nothing short of extraordinary. Amberley's story is a powerful reminder that life's challenges, no matter how overwhelming, can be overcome with courage, resilience, and a positive mindset.
Through her continued success in barrel racing, her motivational speaking, and her advocacy work, Amberley Snyder has become a symbol of hope and inspiration.
Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of athletes, equestrians, and anyone facing adversity to never give up on their dreams. Amberley's story is not just about barrel racing; it's about the unyielding human spirit and the belief that anything is possible when you refuse to give up. No wonder we’re extremely proud to be supporting her and her horses, in whatever way we can.
