Life has a way of testing even the strongest souls. But if there’s one person who’s stared tragedy in the face and galloped right past it, it’s Amberley Snyder.
Once a rising star in the world of rodeo, Amberley lived and breathed barrel racing. A quote that resonated deeply with her motivated her to reclaim her position in the sport she cherished. But fate had other plans.
In January 2010, everything changed. While driving on icy roads, her truck lost control. The vehicle rolled—again and again—until Amberley was thrown from it, landing with such force that her T11 and T12 vertebrae were shattered beyond repair. Just 18 years old, she was left paralysed from the waist down. A five-hour surgery stabilised her back, but it couldn’t restore what was lost.
Yet this wasn’t the end of Amberley’s story—it was the start of something remarkable.
A comeback written in grit and grace
Fast-forward to the present, and Amberley isn’t just surviving—she’s thriving. Despite doctors telling her she’d never ride again, she proved them wrong. Big time.
You might remember her from the touching Netflix biopic Walk. Ride. Rodeo., where she shares the screen with… well, herself! Yep, Amberley actually did her own stunts post-accident—riding her real-life horse “Power”—to make every scene as authentic as possible. Her sister filled in for the pre-accident scenes, but post-crash? All Amberley.
And it’s not just film. In 2018, she returned to the rodeo circuit with a win, making headlines and inspiring millions. But she didn’t stop there.
Now, she’s training others who face physical challenges, showing them that “can’t” is just a word, not a fact.
17.10 seconds that speak volumes
In a poignant scene, a young rider challenges herself, striving for a significant victory at the Britches Rodeo. Her time? 17.10 seconds—just shy of first place. That moment may not have come with a trophy, but it came with pride and power.
That same energy runs through Amberley’s story—small wins, big heart.
Behind the scenes: an exclusive chat with Amberley Snyder
We were lucky enough to catch up with Amberley and ask her some heartfelt questions about life, the film, and what keeps her moving forward.
When riding, what goes through your mind during a competition?
“I just try to think through all my steps. Know I have prepared to get there and ride hard!”
Who do you look up to most?
“I look up to my family. I truly am blessed with the greatest people!”
Go-to band or favourite song right now?
“It changes a lot. My favourite song is the one I wrote with Max Ehrich. Ride.“
What got you out of bed on the tough days (besides riding)?
“My family.”
Best comfort food to cook?
“Cheesy bacon potatoes… mostly because everyone loves them.”
Getting back in a car post-accident must’ve been huge—what was it like?
“I was excited to get the freedom back!”
Top travel destination dream?
“I am not sure!! I travel a lot already! I also don’t know how accessible out-of-the-country places are.”
What’s on your calendar for the coming year?
“Speaking, Rodeo, family!! That’s always my plan.”
Words to live by
One quote that defines her outlook?
“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.
I realise, maybe I won’t have control over every situation in my life.
Maybe I don’t get to make every decision.
But when I wake up in the morning, I get to decide my attitude.
And if that’s the only decision I get to make that day, I better make it a good one.
Because with the right attitude, who knows what you can achieve?”
— Amberley Snyder
Where to watch her incredible journey
You can watch Amberley’s awe-inspiring story in the Netflix original movie Walk. Ride. Rodeo.. It’s raw, real, and will leave you ready to chase your own goals—no matter what life throws your way.
