Tyler Zebrovious had a standout weekend at the First Frontier Circuit Finals on January 9-10, 2025, securing both the average and year-end titles while working as one of the finals’ pickup men.
Zebrovious clinched the second round win, placed third in the third round, and dominated the average with a time of 33.8 seconds on three head—winning by more than five seconds and earning $7,540 en route to his first circuit title.
“It feels good to win both titles,” Zebrovious said. “I’ve made the circuit finals the last five years and knew that to get the year-end, I would have to rope all three and win a check in the average.”
Just another rodeo
The Fredonia, Pennsylvania cowboy splits his time between roping calves and picking up at rodeos throughout the year.
“I enjoy picking up,” Zebrovious said. “I’ve been doing it since I was 14, almost as long as I’ve been roping calves. This year, I made the circuit finals just another rodeo by being able to work and rope calves.”
Going into the finals, Zebrovious knew he had a shot at the year-end but understood he needed consistent runs to win the title.
“I’ve gotten a check in the average the past few years, but only on two head,” Zebrovious said. “I knew I had to get my third one caught and win a good check in the average to even have a shot at the year-end.”
Limited roping opportunities this year meant Zebrovious focused on consistency rather than trying to win every round.
“My game plan was to just catch and tie them down,” Zebrovious said. “In the first round, I roped him deep around the neck, didn’t get a great go, and he kicked a bit. My second run, the calf went left—a spot I usually struggle with—but I got it on and won the round with a 9.5. In the third round, I was way off the barrier, thinking I’d be 15 or 16 seconds if I bounced the calf off the bucking chutes. I took a reach and throw, and it worked. I think I surprised my horse when I threw, but we still won third in the round, which was good enough to win the average.”
Trusty ol’ Emmett
Zebrovious has relied on his horse, Cocky High Brow, aka Emmett, for all five of his First Frontier Circuit Finals qualifications.
“He’s 19 years old now,” Zebrovious said. “I bought him towards the end of college and brought him back to Pennsylvania. After the year we’ve had, it’s probably time to retire him, but he craves this. He loves roping calves and won’t give it up on his own.”

After not having any luck at the NFR Open last year, Zebrovious is excited to make the 21 hour trek back to Colorado Springs for another shot.
“Last year, I went to Colorado Springs between two big rodeos out east where I was picking up,” he said. “It was a fun trip, so I’m excited to go back. If we get the chance, I’d like to hit a few more rodeos out there and do some touristy stuff.”
For 2025, Zebrovious plans to continue balancing picking up and roping calves.
“Most of the time, I just rope where I’m picking up,” he said. “Picking up pays the bills and lets me rope. Last year, I went to Florida in the early spring, and I’d like to go back this year to try to win some money. I’m also planning to enter up while I’m in Colorado for the NFR Open.”