Amberley Snyder: Barrel Racing Inspiration

 
Amberley Snyder is a household name the subject of a 2019 Netflix biopic and a source of inspiration to hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
Had you met her when she was 18 Snyder likely would have told you that all she wanted in life was to be a professional barrel racer an agricultural education teacher and a good sister to her five siblings. Then at 19 her life changed completely when she was involved in a car accident that broke her back. But while the accident may have cost Snyder the full use of her legs that lifechanging event gave her a new mission to pursue along with all her original dreams.

Amberley Speaks Up
Now 30 Amberley Snyder is a professional barrel racer a goal chaser a fulltime motivational speaker and an inspiration to her family and countless others. Traveling the country as a professional keynote speaker isnt always a cakewalk but she loves helping others who are grappling with difficult circumstances.
Amberley Snyder was voted the fan favorite to compete at RFDTVs The American which is the richest oneday rodeo. Photo courtesy 2015 RFDTV Events LLC
Honestly I try to simplify what I do and say I am just telling stories of what Ive done and how Ive done it and Im lucky enough to get to inspire and motivate people along the way Snyder says. But I think that God gave me this opportunity and has allowed it to unfold. Even when there are times that I feel overwhelmed I remember Nope Im serving the purpose Im supposed to serve. When that happens Ill take a second for myself reboot and come back out.
Barrel racing is a sport Snyder has always felt born to pursue and she wasnt about to let her accident stop her from enjoying the thrill of riding a fast horse in good dirt.
I think that once horses are in your blood theyre never not in it Snyder says. With barrel racing I was able to combine my love of horses with my love for speed and my competitive side. Its the perfect combination.
Catalyst for Change
On the day of her accident Snyder was driving through Wyoming on her way to the 2010 National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver. She glanced down to check her map and the next thing she knew she awoke in a snowbank with her back against a fence post