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4 Lessons 'Walk. Ride. Rodeo.' Can Teach Us About Life With a Disability

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For someone who spends lots of time watching TV shows and movies, finding something new and different to binge-watch is sometimes challenging. However, my mom recently recommended the Netflix movie “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” and I’m so glad she did!

Based on a true story, “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” follows Amberley Snyder, a horseback rider who struggles to find her purpose after becoming paralyzed in a car accident. The car accident not only injures her body but also her spirit as it takes away what she loves most: her ability to ride.

Although Amberley faces many obstacles along the way, she finds the determination to ride again, no matter what.

Amberley’s story and her courage teaches us so many lessons. Here are five things we can take away from watching “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.”


1. Obstacles don’t define us.

Towards the middle of the movie, Amberley expresses her anger regarding her paralysis. Amberley’s mother then shares a powerful thought: “[Your] wheelchair can either be your wings or your anchor.” As Amberley accepts her current life, we watch her fight to ride again. Amberley’s story teaches us to never let the obstacles we face hold us back.

2. Never give up on your dreams.

Despite all her challenges and frustrations, Amberley never gives up on riding again. If we tackle our own passions with the same bold determination, I believe we will surely succeed. “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” teaches us to reach for the stars every single day.

3. Take life one day at a time.

Throughout the movie, Amberley learns to take her challenges one step at a time… literally. She adjusts to life as a paralyzed horseback rider, but it takes time and effort to come to terms with her changed circumstances. Amberley faces new challenges and discovers new things about herself every single day, but as she works through them one step at a time, she manages to thrive.

4. Being different isn’t a bad thing.

Amberley discovers that being different isn’t bad or wrong. “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” teaches us that although life has its twists and turns, everyone has their own stories. Our uniqueness is what makes us truly special.

5. Our health conditions don’t dictate our lives.

Amberley has to learn to love her wheelchair and realize that it’s just one part of her, that it doesn’t define her or dictate her life. Our personality and heart makes us who we are. Although many people deal with health conditions, those labels don’t have to dictate every moment of our lives.

I absolutely loved “Walk. Ride. Rodeo.” This film not only provides a beautiful portrayal of strength and determination, but it also teaches us so many life lessons. We can learn to pursue our dreams, not allow difficulties to define us and become comfortable in ourselves. I really hope you’ll check out this incredible Netflix film!

Screenshot via Netflix.

Originally published: October 23, 2019
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