[Photo: Cole Howie]
Feek’s Vision, the revealing new documentary about one of rodeo’s most influential bucking horse bloodlines, made its debut during the 2023 Miles City Bucking Horse Sale.
It is the inspired production of North Dakota born and raised filmmaker, Ken Howie (“Special Cowboy Moments” on RFD-TV/The Cowboy Channel, and “Hardship to Freedom”).
In the 1930s, Montana rancher and rodeo stock contractor Feek Tooke foresaw the end to the availability of wild horses as rodeo stock and envisioned a program for breeding horses with a strong propensity to buck. Amid skepticism, Tooke pursued his vision, realized success and forever changed the future of rodeo. Recognizing the relevance to local and national early rodeo history, Howie was compelled to create a film that would capture Tooke’s story for the enjoyment of generations of rodeo fans.
In the wake of challenges and COVID-related delays, this long-awaited film is complete. Viewer response has been exceptional, with nods to the quality of the production and level of detail in storytelling.
Rodeo champions such as Larry Mahan, Deb Copenhaver, Clint Johnson, Dan Mortenson, and Ty Murray share stories and historical details about the Tooke Bucking Horses and their profound impact on the sport of rodeo. Legendary stock contractors Harry Vold, Cotton Rosser and Mel Potter (Rodeos, Inc.), Matt Burch (Burch Rodeo), Sparky Dreesen (J Bar J) and Powder River Rodeo’s Franzen family share their testaments to Tooke bred horses, many still winning titles today. Traveling thousands of miles to capture original footage, Howie brings revered rodeo legends to the screen, sharing memories of their matches against Tooke bred horses in the arena.
Film trailers, a list of screenings and other information can be found at http://feeksvision.com.