You may have heard of the popular Netflix movie “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” This is a movie based on the true story of Amberley Snyder, a professional barrel racer and motivational speaker. Amberley’s story is so inspiring to everyone around the world, and she continues to inspire me every day.
Amberley had a strong passion for horses starting at 3 years old and was then competing at 7 years old. She had a big love for horses and was making big accomplishments at a young age. In 2010, Amberley was in an accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down. Not putting her seat belt back on after a gas station pit stop, caused her to be thrown out her truck window and into a fence post when her truck overturned multiple times.
Doctors told Amberley that she would not walk or even ride ever again. When a nurse asked what her goals were, she answered with “Walk, Ride, Rodeo”, and that is where the movie title came from. That didn’t stop her though, she got back in the saddle 4 months after the accident.
Photo by Lauren Anderson
Being back in the saddle was not the same for Amberley, as everything felt different for her. She had adjustments made to her saddle- a seatbelt, velcro straps, and rubber bands to keep everything in place while she was riding. Amberley proved everyone wrong and competed at the American Rodeo with a time of 15.3 seconds. Her time was even better than before the accident happened.
Amberley continues to motivate everyone with her “Wheelchair Wednesday” videos and even published a book of her story. She is now a motivational speaker and travels all over the world to share her story of how God has got her through the challenges she has faced. Amberley inspires me to never give up on my dreams and makes me believe I can do anything.
I had the pleasure of meeting Amberley in 2018 at one of her clinics. I can relate to Amberley, I also have no use of my legs when riding and have to use a wheelchair. I look to Amberley’s methods when I question what I can do with my horse.
I also need extra stability while in the saddle, so I use a barrel racer sure grip saddle seat, similar to Amberley’s seat belt. Amberley is such a genuine, strong, and independent woman. Her story will surely inspire you to believe that nothing is impossible.
I interviewed Amberley and asked her some questions.
Q: What inspired you to share your story with the world, and what opportunities has it given you?
A: “It chose me. I was getting asked to share so I did.”
Q: How do you train your horses to respond to you when in the saddle?
A: “Hands and voice. The ones that want to work just do it for me. Some take advantage while others want to please!”
Q: How long did it take you to feel confident in the saddle after the accident?
A: “Still a working progress! I am constantly trying to get better!”
Q: What are your future goals in sharing your story and competing?
A: “I want to speak in all 50 states! And continue up the ladder in the rodeo world!”
Q: What would you say is the hardest thing when riding and competing for you, and how do you overcome it?
A: “Physically my balance is the hardest. Mentally, believing that even with my disadvantage I can still compete at the level I want to be.”
I give a big thank you to Amberley for taking the time to do an interview and share her story. You can follow Amberley's journey on Instagram @amberleysnyder and at https://amberleysnyder.org.
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