At just 20 years old, Pecos Tatum made a statement in Cave Creek, Arizona, winning both the average and year-end titles at the 2025 ProRodeo Turquoise Circuit Finals.
The La Plata, New Mexico, cowboy started strong with an 8.6-second run to win Round 1 and $2,197, came back with an 8.3 in Round 2 for second place and $1,648, and won Round 3 with an 8.5 for another $2,197. He sealed the average title with 25.4 seconds on three head, pocketing $3,295 for a $9,337 weekend and the year-end title with $25,147 won on the year.
“Oh shoot, that’s just a big blessing to be able to get to go in there and draw three really good calves,” Tatum said. “It doesn’t always work out that way, but it was sure great to me over there this year.”
Turquoise Lucky Streak
For Tatum, the Turquoise Circuit Finals have been a consistent highlight.
“The circuit finals has always been great to me,” Tatum said. “Actually, the last two years I’ve won the first round, second in the second round, won the third round and won the average the last two years.”
This year marked his first year-end title after finishing runner-up to Cash Hooper in 2024.
“It’s just a big blessing to get to be able to do what I do and it worked in my favor,” Tatum said. “Everybody goes in there wanting to win the year-end every year, so getting to accomplish that goal, it’s pretty awesome.”
Big John Carries the Load
Tatum trusted his main horse, Ima Big John Plowboy, “Big John,” for the circuit finals.
“I’ve had him for the last couple of years,” Tatum said. “I bought him when I was 17 from a buddy of mine, Garrett Jacobs. Cody Burney trained him, and I’ve known Cody a long time. So it was pretty awesome when I got to buy him, and he’s been outstanding the last couple of years.”
Tatum will back in the box on Big John in any setup with full confidence.
“The last couple of years he’s just been the go-to,” Tatum said. “I rode him this year at Calgary and then took him straight to Cheyenne. I’ve rode him everywhere.”
Next Stop: Colorado Springs
The Turquoise Circuit title punched Tatum’s ticket back to the NFR Open in Colorado Springs, a rodeo where he’s hungry for redemption.
“I’m really excited to go back,” Tatum said. “It’ll be great to go back and get a little redemption on ‘em over there. Anytime you can go rope against 24 guys for that much money, it’s unreal.”
Tatum plans to keep things simple this winter, focusing on jackpotting and practice at home before kicking the 2026 season off in Denver.
“My goal is to make the NFR,” Tatum said. “I’m going to keep working toward that goal and keep on rolling.”