GRACE — The crowds at the Caribou County Fair rodeo were treated to an inspiring performance by barrel rider Amberley Snyder last week.

The 34-year-old from Utah is no ordinary competitor and the only professional barrel racer in the United States who gets around in a wheelchair. Snyder’s rodeo career survived a car accident that left her paralyzed and she has earned her way to the circuit through grit, determination and a deep-rooted love for the sport.

Snyder stands out as she continues to cross finish lines while guiding her horse with precision and speed, making her an extraordinary competitor in the arena. Her talent draws a crowd, and the lines for autographs and photo opportunities form quickly after her run.

“I hadn’t even gotten off my horse yet before there was a line,” she says with a smile.

In January 2010, Snyder’s life changed forever. She was 18 years old and climbing the rodeo ranks when she suffered a paralyzing injury after being ejected from her vehicle in Sinclair, Wyoming. She was driving from Utah to Colorado for a job when the accident happened.

After a quick gas stop and not fastening her seatbelt, the rollover accident slammed her body into a fence post and broke her back, leaving her paralyzed.

Remarkably, determination had her back on her horse just four months after her accident and back in the arena competing just 18 months later. However, her comeback still came with doubt.

“I actually quit for nine months,” says Snyder.

When a chance to ride again brought back the same joy, she knew she was going to fight her way back to professional riding.

“I have an incredible support system. They know pushing me doesn’t get them anywhere,” she says. “But if I want to do something, they’ll always be there to help me.”

Today, Snyder focuses solely on barrel racing. Her unique way of riding is inspiring. She rides strapped to a saddle and relies completely on her hands, voice and upper body to cue her horses.

“They know how to ignore my legs and listen to my hands,” she said.

As she’s competed in major arenas across the country, Caribou County remains a favorite stop for Snyder to compete. It’s the small-town atmosphere she enjoys coming back to.

“It’s nice to come to a smaller rodeo. It’s good to put horses in an environment that’s not as high stress but still holds a good crowd and good community,” she said.

Her positive outlook on life despite significant challenges continues as she competes and hasn’t let the accident slow her down. Some of her proudest accomplishments have been qualifying for the Wilderness Circuit Finals in 2021 and 2022 and watching her horse Legacy set an arena record at the South Point in Las Vegas.

While her professional competitive season continues year-round, she does take time to live at a slower pace during the winter months, traveling to share motivational speeches about her story.

Many see the competitor in the saddle, but she reminds us that didn’t come without frustration.

“I’m still human. You can be bummed out over certain things and that just makes you normal. It’s OK to have a bad day as long as there’s more good than bad,” she said.

As Snyder shared smiles, photos and autographs at the Caribou County Fair with her fans, she served as a reminder that determination and grit can carry someone back to the sport they love.

Snyder’s most shared advice is “There is no future in giving up.”