About Us

Mission Statement
The Ontario Barrel Racing Association (OBRA) has been formed to promote western speed events, particularly barrel racing, in Ontario.

Action Plan
To this end, we will seek to improve the skills and abilities of speed event competitors, by providing for events with adequate prize money, organizing or endorsing clinics by competent instructors and encouraging the breeding and training of horses specifically for speed events. We will strive to obtain sponsorship whenever possible, as this will strengthen and give exposure to our sport. As this is a non-profit organization, all proceeds of OBRA activities will be returned to tasks that benefit the members and promote speed events in Ontario.

OBRA Through the Ages
The Ontario Barrel Racing Association was formed in 1976 by a small group of horsemen and horsewomen who wished to orgaize and promote their sport. They staged one big race that year, the $1000 Barrel Race. Since that humble start we've grown tremendously. Our membership has grown to several hundred families from Eastern Canada and the United States. In the 2004 season, OBRA staged over 30 speed shows, two of which rank in the top 50 richest barrel racing events on the continent. Paying out over $25,000 in prize money and awards, OBRA events attract barrel racing super star competitors from the United States and Canada. The OBRA provides speed events where youth, beginner and novice riders can compete along side with world champion horsemen.Our enthusiasm is catching. If you love speed, excitement and horses, we welcome you to get involved with the OBRA.

An Association by the Members for the Members
The Ontario Barrel Racing Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting western speed events, particularly barrel racing in Ontario. We seek to improve the skill and ability of speed event competitors by providing events with adequate prize money, by organizing and endorsing clinics with expert instructors and encouraging breeding and training horses specifically for speed events. We strive to obtain sponsorship to increase participation and exposure of our sport. All proceeds of the OBRA activities will be returned to tasks that benefit our members and promote speed events in Ontario.

Marketing & Promotion
The rising popularity of Barrel Racing is of great interest to marketers and organizations wishing to reach a target audience of horse lovers and enthusiasts of racing and equestrian sport. Visit our Sponsorship and Trades and Services pages for more information on how you can effectively promote your business in this growing community!

Beginners to Pros
To launch each speed show we provide an open 4D Barrel Race, in which riders of all experience and skill can participate and win. Then the smallest cowboys and cowgirls please the crowd in the Pony Barrel Race. Our Sweepstakes Event features the big guns of Barrel Racing. Our Sweepstakes horses have earned an international reputation as the best in the world, won at the All American Quarter Horse Congress and competed in the National Finals Rodeo. The Limited Open Barrel Race is for contestants striving to make it into the Sweepstakes. Other exciting speed events include Polebending, Dash For Cash, Rescue Race and Flag Race.

Contact an OBRA Executive Member today to get involved with the great sport of Barrel Racing.

OBRA Past Presidents
1977 - Gord Mitchell
1978 - Glen Morehouse
1979 - Glen Morehouse
1980 - Glen Morehouse
1981 - Ron McCall
1982 - Ron McCall
1983 - Ron McCall
1984 - Annette Weatherston
1985 - Brigitte Grabst
1986 - Linda Young
1987 - Richard Mathieu
1988 - Richard Mathieu
1989 - Danny Giles
1990 - Larry Merner
1991 - Larry Merner
1992 - Larry Merner
1993 - Larry Merner
1994 - Lloyd McKenzie
1995 - Lloyd McKenzie
1996 - Jim Kersey
1997 - Jim Kersey
1998 - Richard Mathieu
1999 - Linda Burgess
2000 - Morgan Grant/Glen Morehouse
2001 - Morgan Grant
2002 - Steve Hunter
2003 - Carl Heffernan
2004 - Carl Heffernan
2005 - Lisa Scarlett
2006 - Kim Sabila
2007 - Jim Thompson (current president)

Glen Morehouse President's Cup
2000 - Morgan Grant
2001 - Carl Heffernan
2002 - Luc Menar
2003 - Carol Robertson
2004 - Steve Hunter
2005 - Craig Widdifield

Outstanding OBRA Volunteers Since 2001
2001 - Fred Walters
2002 - Dwayne Crane
2003 - Jodi Pendry
2004 - Jim Kersey
2005 - Laurie Fisher