SWEETWATER COUNTY — First Choice Ford, Commerce Bank and the Wyoming Seatbelt Coalition are inviting the public to attend a local barbeque and presentation from Amberley Snyder at the Rock Springs Amory on Armory Drive off Yellowstone Road near the Sweetwater Events Complex. Commerce Bank will be sponsoring a free, public barbeque on Wednesday, July 16 at noon for local competitors of the National High School Finals Rodeo, spectators and local residents. Following the barbeque, presentations will be made by troopers from the Wyoming Highway Patrol and Amberley Snyder at 1:30 p.m. Snyder will also present the following day at 10 a.m. Both events are free and open to the public. Door prizes will be given away to those in attendance.

Amberley Snyder was born in Utah and was one of six children born to Cory and Tina Snyder.   She began riding a horse at three years old and competing in rodeo at  seven years old. In 2009, Snyder competed in the National High School Finals Rodeo, as well as the National Little Britches Finals.  She won the Finals and World All-Around titles as well as finishing in the top 6 in Pole Bending, Goat Tying and Breakaway Roping.

In January of 2010, Snyder’s world changed dramatically.  She was driving to a new job at the National Western Stock Show in Colorado when she rolled her truck.  She was ejected from the vehicle and hit a fence that broke her back, leaving her paralyzed.  Doctors told her she would never have any chance of recovery and that her days of rodeo were over.

Snyder would not accept giving up her passion and devised a way to compete in rodeo once again by using a seat belt, Velcro and another strap to hold her in place. She now not only competes in barrel racing but breakaway roping as well for Utah State University.

“It’s truly an inspiring story. And it’s a story that we think all drivers’ need to hear. Parents need to bring their young drivers out to here this young lady’s message,” Wyoming Seatbelt Coalition Member Stephanie Harsha said.

-From a press release