If you’ve traversed TikTok anytime in the recent past, you’ve probably stumbled across some of Emmie Sperandeo’s (@steadyrein) videos.
Known across the industry by her first name, Emmie was 13 years old when she picked up her first camera, a passion that rapidly progressed into a full-time gig traveling with her trailer, her horses, dog, and, occasionally, her baby buffalo. Her videos share journeys and adventures many of us can only dream of, while she celebrates Western culture working on ranches throughout the United States and even Mexico.
This week, Emmie was airlifted to an Arizona Trauma Center after a riding accident at the ranch she’s been day working on. According to posts by her sister, Natalie Sperandeo, the horse spun and fell on her during a cattle movement, and Emmie has been mostly unconscious since.
Her GoFundMe indicates that she is currently undergoing monitoring due to the nature of her head injury, and she will remain in an intensive care unit for the time being.
@steadyrein gettin er done #arizona #solotraveler #ranchlife #cowcamp #springwork #branding #womeninagriculture ♬ Let’s All Help the Cowboys (Sing the Blues) – Colter Wall
Doctors have indicated that she sustained at least two skull fractures and is bleeding from her ears.
These injuries come on the heels of other serious injuries Emmie sustained recently. Emmie was thrown from a bucking horse into a fence railing last month, resulting in a concussion and a broken finger. She was still recovering from the concussion when this week’s accident happened.
Supporters have stepped up, talking about Emmie’s influence through her work.
One Arizona rancher told AGDAILY about their experience with Emmie working on the ranch they help manage this spring.
“Emmie is a genuine soul on her social media platforms and in person. She and her good friend came out to the ranch to help for a few days, and while none of the work was glamorous, both were excited, motivated, and great help,” they said. “With the amount of success Emmie has had, you might expect someone different from what you see online, but that’s not the case. She is who she is, and that is someone willing to do the hard work to fulfill her dreams, which is a trait many of us find inspirational. She’s sincere and honest about her ups and downs, which we need more of in this digital world.”
One Facebook user among many well-wishers posted, saying, “This girl is one of the sweetest and kindest Western influencers out there. She is exactly how she seems on social media with the biggest heart, and right now she needs her horse community more than ever!”
Fitting, that Emmie’s last video was about living life to the fullest and getting the most out of each day.
@steadyrein my philosphy #ranchlife #solotraveler #cowpoke #horsetrailerliving ♬ Memories – akif
While Emmie works on healing, the family’s GoFundMe has raised $103,475 of the $150,000 goal (at the time of this article’s publication) to help support medical expenses. In the meantime, the family writes, “Thank you to every single one of you for being there for her and for all the support. Please keep rooting for her speedy recovery.”
The family has also organized a digital card for people to sign if they’d like to send good wishes to Emmie.
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