Equine Experts Interview - Amberley Snyder

In order to grow, one must learn. In order to learn, one must study. That’s what my “Equine Experts Interview” installments will help you with – gaining knowledge from an expert. The dictionary defines the word ‘expert’ as : “a person who has a comprehensive and authoritative knowledge of or skill in a particular area.” 

This week we will be learning from Barrel Racer, Amberley Snyder. Not only is she an expert in her field of horses, but she also serves as a role model for her fellow rodeo peers too . She is a wonderful example of what happens when hard work, dedication and try come together in a long haired blonde package. Although I haven’t met Miss Amberley in person, I can say WITH OUT a doubt she is one of the most inspiring horsewomen I’ve ever had the pleasure of interviewing. And I might add she has since been inducted to the Cowgirl Hall of Fame nobigdeal. This girl is on fire!  Here is 10 fast facts about Amberley Snyder!

Miss Amberley and her stunning steed, Power! Photo credit: Amberley Snyder

1.) If you could paraphrase what you do for your career with horses what would it sound like?  I am cowgirl. I am a barrel racer and roper. I hope to continue that career pro rodeoing and competing on the highest level I can.

2.) What were three important accomplishments that allowed you to develop into your current profession with horses?  In rodeo my senior year of high school, I qualified for the National High School Finals Rodeo as well as for the Little Britches Finals where I won the Finals and World All Around Title as well as was top 6 in three of my events.

I would also say having the experience I have training barrel horses has helped me be where I am. I was able to train my current barrel horse Power and that has made our bond so much more effective and special with the situation I am in now.

Lastly, I would say getting back on after my wreck was a huge accomplishment. It was what I needed to do in order to be where I am today.

3.) What have horses taught you most about people, and what have people taught you most about horses? I believe that horses have a special ability to help people in all sorts of situations. They have an ability to calm you and comfort you where you cannot find that anywhere else. Horses have also taught me patience. You have to be patient to own horses and compete on them in any discipline.

4.) Name one thing that you think would be valuable for every horse owner to know. I think it is important to know that your horse depends upon you. I also think that almost every horse wants to please you.  I think we all need to be reminded of that.

5.) What aspects/parts of the equine industry do you think should be more integrated , and which areas already do a good job of it? For the horse industry, I hope they find a way to have more special Olympic events on horseback!

6.) Share a goal or aspiration you would like to see the horse industry meet or one that you have for yourself. For myself I have the goal to make the horse industry more accessible to anyone, especially those with disabilities. I think that horse facilities should be a place where everyone is welcome and can enjoy.

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7.) Please tell us one thing that you do that is “natural” for your equine partner.  As far as feed, I love the Morinda Care Noni supplement. It is a supplement with natural ingredients that help my horse feel better on the inside and look better on the outside. As training, I applied pressure on the top of his head. When he dropped it I took the pressure away and rewarded him. I also gave horse cookies in my lap so he knew that having his head at that level was a good place. I am doing the same training with my colt right now and he is getting to where he is naturally carrying his head at my height to halter and bridle. As riding, my horses are very sensitive to my voice. They know when I ‘kiss’ at them that it means to get up and go or to move somewhere. Power has also taken on this role of protecting me when I am on his back. I did not have to teach him to be careful, he just decided to take on that protective and cautious attitude.

8.) Share one of the funniest or most memorable moments you have had surrounding horses horse-people. Memorable would be when I first outran myself of what I had before my accident at a race.

Funniest is when my college team forgot to come get me off. It was also when I figured out I could get myself on and off my horse independently.

9.) Please list 5 fun facts about yourself related or unrelated to horses.

Before high school rodeo, I only wore red, white and blue to compete.

I am a movie addict.

I am almost constantly singing when I ride; even as I am walking up the alley way to make a run.

When I dream at night I am always walking at some point.

My favorite food is steak and potatoes.

10.)*What does ‘natural horsemanship’ mean to you?*

I am a person who truly believes in the “feel” of a horse. I don’t think that is something you can teach or someone can show you. I think someone with natural horsemanship can really feel the horse beneath them. They can really understand where each foot is and how their body moves. By doing that, they have the capability to ask a horse to move and respond how they want.

Amberley and Power tearin’ it up. Tell them they won’t and they’ll show you they can. photo cred: Amberley Snyder