Southern Arizona Barrel Racing Association (SABRA)

Written by

The Southern Arizona Barrel Racing Association refers to an organization comprised of female members who enjoy the sport of barrel racing in southern Arizona. Membership into the Tuscon organization is open to anyone holding a (WPRA) Women’s Professional Rodeo Association card. Active members pay dues, attend scheduled meetings and abide by the guidelines as established by the S.A.B.R.A. Honorary members are inducted through a majority vote by active members.
In addition to competing in local or regional rodeo events, the association regularly sponsors more than 12 events during the year. Participating in association sponsored events requires submitting the appropriate entry form. As a member of the organization that promotes barrel racing in southern Arizona, event participants gain points when placing in sponsored events. Awards are presented based on the number of points accumulated throughout the year. The association has a long list of local and regional sponsors that include:

Susan G. Komen Barrel Race

Upcoming events featuring barrel racing in southern Arizona include the Susan G. Komen Barrel Race.
The show is scheduled to take place on Saturday, October 18th and Sunday, October 19th, at the Pima County Fairgrounds. S.A.B.R.A. members are encouraged to participate. A Mexican buffet dinner will follow the race at the Cantina on Saturday night. The dinner will also feature a raffle drawing and a silent auction

History of Barrel Racing

The competitive sport of barrel racing in southern Arizona has roots that originated in Texas during the 1930s. Women took part in western shows and rodeos from the 1880s in the form of trick riding. In the majority of events, cowgirls led the parade, played small roles in minor rodeo activities and danced with the cowboys. However, in 1932, The cowboy reunion weekend rodeo in Stamford, Texas, decided to invite women aged 16 and older to obtain sponsors and participate in the event. Awards were presented for “best mount,” “most attractive riding outfit” and “best horsemanship.” The horsemanship activity involved riding in a figure eight configuration around barrels. By 1935, the configuration transformed into the cloverleaf pattern that is replicated today. Barrel racing became a speed-orientated competition in 1949.

Aaron Kuhl

Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and the American Heart Association (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.