ProRodeo Sports News - May 26, 2023

was a magical combination that produced a herd of sturdy, world-class buckers that revolutionized rodeo and helped make the careers of some of the sport’s most celebrated cowboys. Toby Chandler Tooke, named after the great grandfather he never met, was raised on the family ranch in Ekalaka. An on-air radio personality in Billings, Mont., Toby was born 12 years after Feek passed away, but was immersed in the rich stories passed down about Feek, from his widowThelma (Toby’s great grandma) and son Ernest (Toby’s grandpa). “I never really got into it until my early 20’s, and the more I got into it, the more I’m like my great grandpa was … kind of a bad ass,” Toby said. In April 2016, Toby was contacted by director

“We interviewed Larry Mahan and Mel Potter at the 2016 NFR,” Toby said. “I think if we hadn’t gotten those interviews, it wouldn’t be where it is. Once you put two guys like thats names on it, it’s easier to get the other interviews.” Legends like Dan Mortensen, Ty Murray, Deb Copenhaver and Harry Vold were eager to share their perspectives on the impact Feek’s breeding program had, and continues to have, on the sport of rodeo. Toby says through DNA testing by the Bucking Horse Breeder’s Association, approximately 93 percent of the greatest bucking horses can be traced back to the bloodline of Feek’s original herd. No wonder Feek has been called the Henry Ford of the rodeo industry. The first screening of the movie was held in

May in the place Feek loved and where it all began – Ekalaka. Just down the road at the ranch, the horses still graze, all descendants of King Larrygo, the first horse Feek purchased for his breeding program all those years ago. From a simple idea born and nurtured on the dusty prairies of Montana, to arguably the most influential breeding program in the industry, Feek’s vision is indisputable. For a full list of screenings, visit feeksvision.com.

Ken Howie about immortalizing those stories in a documentary, “Feek’s Vision.” It was a grassroots effort that started slowly. “This is a movie for the people, by the people,” Toby said. “Pre-orders of the movie are what got us going.” Some star power early on also helped the dream take shape.

Photo Courtesy Tooke family

“Feek” Tooke stands with King Larrygo who helped him establish his legendary breeding program.

ProRodeo Sports News 5/26/2023

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