Seeing Kendall Jenner ride my horse in Vogue was proof I could move forward, says traumatic brain injury survivor

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To many, Kendall Jenner’s Vogue photoshoot – featuring her on a beautiful horse in a lush field – seemed like just another stunning example of her fashion sense and beauty.

For Amber DeLauer, who used to own the horse, the photo meant much more than just a picture. It represented a deeply emotional experience-a turning point that felt like a journey towards healing, forgiveness, and accepting what was meant to be.

“It was such a mix of feelings,” Amber shared with The Daily Mail. “Initially, it really hurt my pride, but that quickly turned into happy tears, a sense of calm, and feeling really proud. It felt like a message that I could finally move past the guilt and shame I’d held onto since the accident.”

DeLauer bought a beautiful palomino horse named Jericho at auction. She was captivated by its appearance – it had four white socks and a striking white face – and playfully referred to it as her ‘Barbie Dream Horse’.

His erratic behavior, combined with the impact of her serious accident, prevented her from continuing to train him.

Letting him go, she admits, initially felt like a ‘monumental failure.’

It was incredibly difficult to sell him, but I knew it was the best thing to do, she said. Horses had always been my comfort, but after the accident, I developed PTSD and became afraid of the animals that used to make me feel safe. Seeing Jericho featured in Vogue made me realize we both changed that day – he went on to achieve great things, and I started to heal and find myself again.

For DeLauer, the fact that Jenner was the one to spotlight Jericho was the highest compliment.

I’ve always loved horses, and instead of collecting handbags like some women, I’ve always preferred a beautiful horse,” she said, chuckling. “Seeing that picture of Kendall riding him across the field made me so proud – not only of him, but also of the amazing job Grant and Diamond Cross Ranch did in training him. They really helped him become the calm and confident horse he is now.

Even though Jenner probably didn’t know the story behind Jericho, the pictures really resonated with DeLauer, feeling almost meaningful.

She says Kendall likely doesn’t realize how much that moment meant to her. It felt like confirmation that ending things with him wasn’t a setback, but a necessary step for both of them to heal. To her, it represented bravery, letting go of resentment, and the power to move on without feeling ashamed.

A horseback riding accident caused DeLauer a traumatic brain injury and severe PTSD, almost making her give up horses forever.

Getting back on a horse felt terrifying – I’d tremble every time, but I knew facing my fear was the only way to overcome it, she remembers.

Allowing Jericho to leave helped her recover, and over time, she’s gotten back into riding. She’s even shared her love of horses with her kids, who each have a pony named Marshmallow.

According to DeLauer, who is married to fitness coach Thomas DeLauer, she’s feeling fantastic and says she’s recovered better than ever.

My husband, Thomas, was my greatest support. He helped me recover after my accident with amazing knowledge and care, even starting a detailed recovery plan before I fully grasped what had happened. It included things like fish oil, a brain-boosting diet, red light therapy, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy – and that plan was crucial to my healing.

She shared that a doctor told Thomas if the injury had been just slightly different – about a quarter of an inch – she probably wouldn’t have survived.

That experience really made me appreciate my life and the amazing doctors in Jackson Hole who helped me at the beginning,” DeLauer shared. “More than anything, it’s given me a renewed sense of joy and purpose. I’m incredibly thankful to be with my husband and kids, and I’m cherishing every moment.

DeLauer wants people to get something meaningful from the photos of Kendall and Jericho, not just enjoy a pretty image.

She hopes people remember that even when things are difficult, there’s always hope for a better future. Sometimes, letting go of something allows us to move forward and achieve what we’re meant to. She’s especially proud of Jericho, who went from being an unknown she took a chance on to becoming a successful model featured in Vogue, and feels honored to have played a small part in his journey.

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2025-09-14 17:35