Clinton Small

Clinton Small,
"High Back Wolf" Ho'nexhaa'eho'oese^stse comes from a unique family with an amazing history that he enjoyed talking about. Growing up in a family of 13 (10 boys, 3 girls), he was interested in history and curious about life. He created a life that in many ways reflects his family history. Clinton loved life and loved his family endlessly.
Clinton's parents, Tom and Josephine Small, had an amazing love story. Tom Small was a Texas cattle driver moving long-horns through the Reservation when he fell in love with Josephine. They made their home on Dry Creek, Kirby, Montana.
The old Cheyenne's told stories about Tom Small having "magic with horses." They say this "magic" passes to the next generation and Clinton certainly inherited this special magic with horses. His mother, Josephine, spoke 3 languages fluently: Cheyenne, Mexican, and English. Josephine's mother, Mary Headwoman, also spoke fluent Sioux. In the late summer, Mary would load up her horses with meat and ride from B-Heart all the way to Birney Village to visit her relatives, her grandson Clinton Small, made his home along the Tongue River in Birney Country is no random accident as he followed suit and saw the opportunity to make that his home and build his ranch on Pawnee Creek.
Clinton made a point in his rodeo travels to keep connected with the Small family relatives in South Dakota: the Tibbits, Jacobs, and O'Rourke's. They always had a place to keep their horses and rest up on their travels through Sioux or Cheyenne Country.
Clinton became a pioneer in many aspects of life and forged a path for many Indian cowboys. He was the Hero of the Cowboy Legends. He was well-known across the United States and Canada as a tough rodeo competitor at both ends of the arena – Saddle Bronc riding, Calf Roping, Team Roping and Steer Wrestling. Clinton had grit and determination to be a winner and he loved to compete. He'd often laugh about how he had to win, or he had no money to get to the next rodeo.
Clinton was known for his intelligence and innovative way of thinking and putting in the work to make his ideas into a reality. He became a leader of the Northern Cheyenne Livestock Association. It wasn't a role he wanted but he was needed. His brothers were getting older, and they asked him to step up. Jimmy Dahl and Clinton took on the BIA, Bighorn and Rosebud Counties, and the State of Montana over grazing fees, taxes, and jurisdiction. Jim "Les" Mullins was their back-up. They won some important battles that kept Cheyenne land in Cheyenne hands. Senator Conrad Burns got Clinton mad in a meeting and Clinton told him, "You're nothing but a North Dakota Hipocrite!"
Clinton made his home on Pawnee Creek, where soon after he found the love of his life of 50 years – Jaquelyn (Bighorn) Small. Clinton and Jackie created a legacy on Pawnee Creek raising world champions; Sheryl, Sharon and Shelly, along with some of the best quarter horses and cattle in the country. Clinton was also known as the quarter horse breeder of the year in Montana. His horses are legendary for their speed, intelligence and sometimes a little buck throughout the rodeo industry. However, whenever Clinton got a little extra money, he always bought more cattle. Often lecturing to his kids and grandkids to invest their money.
Clinton loved being a cowboy, he rode every day, and he loved being in the saddle. He was the definition of a cowboy. That was his religion. Clinton passed his love for rodeo and ranching onto his kids, who went on to win their own rodeo championships; his grandkids and great grandkids continue to carry his legacy in and out of the rodeo arena. He shared his knowledge with many, he had that charisma that made people feel good around him. He could tell you something that you didn't want to hear but it made sense. "We got good land, water, everything you need so, get to work and don't be lazy!" When the kids were messing up, Clinton would say, "I'll never give up on them, they'll come around!" It was his belief in you that often pulled you through.
Being a humble man that he is, he did like these two stories of when Clinton first came off the RCA (PRCA) he went to rodeo in the NRCA. The first year he won 23 first in the saddle bronc riding and 2 seconds. He always drew the "rankest" horses because "they wanted to buck me off", he said "but it only helped me win". At the Sheridan Wyoming Rodeo he has 14 championships and that is more than Bill Linderman, Larry Mahan or Trevor Brazil.
Clinton's rodeo advice was always direct with very few words, but the simple advice was always spot on, such as 'Get your tip down', 'Follow through', 'One jump closer' or he wasn't scared to tell you 'Your horse is too slow' or 'you must not like money' which usually meant you better hit the practice pen. His legacy lives on through many cowhands.
Clinton is preceded in death by his parents, Tom & Josephine; brothers Victor, Ed, Max, Ivan, Tuck, Horace, Melvin and Ralph; sisters Vera (died in infancy), Josephine, and Hazel; son Clark, grandson Tyrel, granddaughter Lola.
He is survived by his wife Jackie, brother John Small; his children Sheryl (Jason), Sharon (Allen), Shelly(Bo), MaeBelle, Davetta, Bonnie, David, Suzanne (Tom), Marsha, Steve, David, Dennis and many grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Our family is large so if someone is not mentioned it is not intentional so our apologies.