Amberley Snyder: Barrel Racing Inspiration

world champions the whole timeall of it was magical.
When Amberley competed at RFDTVs The American over 40000 fans gave her a standing ovation. She hopes to return to compete again. Photo courtesy 2015 RFDTV Events LLC
Once Power retired Snyder conquered another milestone by training a new horse.
Legacy made me realize that I could still train Snyder says. Not every colt is as willing to learn or as athletic or smart as he is but he was definitely meant to be mine. He has given me my confidence back to train horses. Ive also seasoned a mare named Penny and she has pushed me to new limits.
These days Snyder competes at professional rodeos and in barrel racing jackpots around the country with her little sister Autumn who also rides and competes.
Amberley Snyder was Made for This
In addition to achieving milestones with her horses Snyder graduated from Utah State University with a bachelors degree in agriculture education in 2015 then earned her masters degree in school counseling in 2018.
When I was taking my ag ed classes I realized that my favorite discussions with kids were the ones where we got to talk about real life and how to face challenges and what they were going to do in the future she says. I wanted to pursue that so I decided to get my masters in counseling. Now as a speaker Im using the skills I learned to help others. I feel like my education helps me to communicate with people on a better level.
Snyder attributes her inner strength to the love and support of her family and to her belief that God always has a plan.
Saddling and other chores requiring a high reach became a challenge but Amberley has adapted ways to get them done. Photo by Lauren Anderson Photography
My family is the reason I am who I am she says. My parents taught me so much about compassion love hard work and perseverance. My siblings have also helped shape me into who I am with the support theyve given me. Even when I was sitting in the middle of it thinking Theres no way this is how its supposed to play out I had to realize that God had a plan and I had to trust that Hes always got it figured out because He has so far.
Amberleys Eyes on the Future
While she already leads a busy life on the road
speaking and competing Snyder has big plans for her future.
I really enjoy the life I live right now she says. I want to continue to inspire and motivate and grow my platform as a speaker. Id also love to make it back to The American. Ive made it to the semifinals a few times. I also want to make it to the National Finals Rodeo rodeo fulltime and all of that amazing stuff.