Southern Pro Bull Riders and Barrel Racers Association

For decades before establishing the SPBRA in 1995, Cotton and Martha Young were pillars of the southeastern rodeo community. They produced rodeos across the region, building an extensive network of relationships with venues, sponsors, stock contractors, and competitors. Their reputation for fairness, professionalism, and genuine care for the rodeo community made them natural leaders when they recognized the need for a dedicated southeastern professional rodeo association.

Cotton brought his deep knowledge of livestock and competition standards, while Martha contributed her exceptional organizational skills and unwavering commitment to competitor welfare. Together, they created more than just a rodeo association – they built a family where competitors, fans, and communities could come together to celebrate western heritage and athletic excellence.

The values they established – integrity, hard work, respect for tradition, and innovation within boundaries – became the DNA of the SPBRA. These weren't just business principles; they were family values that Cotton and Martha would pass down through their sons Bryan and Brent, daughter-in-law Pratt, grandson Cotton, and granddaughter Morgan, ensuring the association's authentic spirit would endure through generations.

When Pratt Young married into the Young family, she brought more than just her love for Brent – she brought her own competitive barrel racing expertise and deep understanding of what it means to be both an athlete and an advocate for the sport. As a accomplished barrel racer herself, Pratt understood the unique challenges and opportunities facing female competitors in rodeo.

Pratt's perspective as both a competitor and a family member has been invaluable to the SPBRA's commitment to providing equal opportunities and recognition for barrel racers. Her firsthand experience in the arena gives her insights into what competitors need to succeed, while her position within the Young family allows her to advocate for meaningful changes and improvements.

Working alongside Brent, Pratt has helped strengthen the SPBRA's barrel racing program, ensuring that female competitors receive the same level of support, prize money, and recognition as their male counterparts. Her dual role as competitor and family leader has made her a powerful advocate for women in rodeo throughout the southeastern region.

Pratt's influence extends beyond competition to mentorship, where she works with young female riders and helps develop programs that encourage the next generation of barrel racers. Her example shows young competitors like Morgan that they can excel both in the arena and in leadership roles within the rodeo community.

Morgan Brantley represents the modern evolution of the Young family legacy in rodeo. As Cotton and Martha Young's granddaughter, she brings a fresh perspective to the SPBRA while maintaining deep respect for the foundation her grandparents built. Her childhood was filled with the sounds of cheering crowds, the smell of arena dust, and countless hours watching family members work tirelessly to make each event successful.

Morgan's approach to the family business has always been hands-on and innovative. Rather than simply following established patterns, she has actively sought to understand every aspect of rodeo production, from marketing and social media to competitor relations and event logistics. Her experience competing as a barrel racer gives her credibility with athletes and insights into what today's competitors need to succeed.

What sets Morgan apart is her ability to bridge the traditional values of rodeo with modern expectations and technology. As both a serious competitor and a business leader, she understands how to preserve the authentic spirit of southeastern rodeo while making it accessible and engaging for new audiences. Her vision extends beyond individual events to building lasting relationships and creating opportunities for future generations of rodeo athletes.

Cotton Young's introduction to rodeo wasn't a choice – it was a birthright and an honor. As Cotton and Martha Young's grandson and Bryan's son, he carries the special distinction of bearing his grandfather's name. Named after the SPBRA's founder, Cotton represents the direct continuation of the family legacy and the values that built the association.

As a competitor himself, Cotton gained the same insider's perspective that had served his father Bryan and uncle Brent so well. He understood the nerves before a run, the split-second decisions that separate victory from defeat, and the camaraderie that develops among competitors. The weight of carrying his grandfather's name has inspired Cotton to honor that legacy while bringing his own innovations and perspectives to the family business.