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.
Service Schedule
Funeral Service
10:00 AM
Tuesday December 27, 2022
St. Labre Gymnasium
Ashland, Montana 59003
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Brenda Bird says
Our sincere condolences to the family
Andrita Harris says
JC, Jason, Demi, Ashley: So Sorry for your loss. Deepest sympathy and condolences.
My deepest condolences for Small and Lawrence family.
PRAYERS RIP Clinton
John & Lisa Just says
Our deepest condolences.
Shelly's BCBSAZ Family says
Our Deepest condolences to the Small, Vocu & all the extended families Families. Rest in Peace, Mr. Small.
Shelly's BCBSAZ Family says
Our Deepest condolences to the Small, Vocu & all the extended Families. Rest in Peace, Mr. Small.
kitte (Brien) Coffin says
Jackie, Suzanne, Steven, Marsha, MaeBelle, Davetta, Bonnie, David, Cheryl, Sharon & Shelly and your extended families, I pray the LORD will comfort you during your time of sorrow and loss. – kitte
Carla & Jay Johnson says
Our deepest condolences to the Small family in the passing of Clinton. God Bless.
Sheila (Eastman) Hart says
Condolences to you all.
Ryne Harris says
Condolences to the Pawnee crew. RIP
Shiloh Small and kids (Sydney, Blaine, and Victoria Bement) says
I love you auntie Suzanne, dad (Steve), and auntie Marsha…hugs to you all
Pete Fredericks says
My deepest condolences, To Jackie, and all of the Children ; Clinton will always be my role model in and out of the rodeo arena. Happy trails partner.
Pete Fredericks
Cathy Frank says
So sorry for your loss Sharon, Sheryl and Shelly and family!
Feryl Greufe says
Jackie and family,
My deepest sympathies for the loss of your beloved Clinton. May he resr in peace.
Patty Kay Brien says
My thoughts, prayers, & condolences go out to the family and friends of Clinton.. God bless you all and give you the comfort and peace that only He can give.
Gail Ivester says
Many condolences to the Clinton Small family. Didn’t know you for long time but what a great man . The memories are a life time.
Alda Bighorn says
Grandpa.. thank you for being my only brother-in-law and loving and caring for my sister and the Archambeau kids. . I would defend you when my sister would act up but you always turned on me and told me how much you loved her and she could do no wrong. I’ll always remember your comical wit, knowledge and advice–never a waste of words and well-taken. I’ll always remember the sound of those spurs coming down the hall and now I will be listening for that familiar sound and watching for those golden sparks in the sky. So long my only brother-in-law. I am ever so thankful you got to know Sunflower.. Rest well and may the Gracious Lord walk with my sister and families. Peace and prayers to you all.
Michael Turley says
I worked with Clinton. Not enough can be said of this man. He left an incredible level of respect, and admiration with me. Few men have done so. He was more than a cowboy- he was a man beyond his noteworthy achievements in horsemanship.
Sharon, Shelly, and Sheryl, and family- my heart is with you Ladies.
Tana Waters says
Condolences to Clinton’s family.. Rest in peace..
Irene Bighorn says
My deepest condolences to all of you I am so sorry for your loss of Clinton.
Carrie Littlebird says
My Condolences. Our prayers always.
Donita Sioux says
Rest in Paradise Cowboy…My Condolences to you Jackie and the family!!
Mary Dillon says
My sincere sympathy. Your is remembered in my prayers.
Mary Dillon
Peggy White says
Maybell, I think of you so often. It was not long ago we met yet again in Colstrip. Since that time I lost my Mom and you have lost your Dad. I am so sorry for your loss. I know the loss you are feeling. It is so hard. Then I look to the Savior. I think of them passing to a wonderful place. Where peace and eternity mix. They have what was not theirs in old age. They have beautiful memories of us and wait till we meet them again. Which of course we will. God Bless you and your wonderful Mom. I pray for you, Maybell and your family. God Bless and Keep you safe.
Sylvia Zimmer and Darold says
Our prayers are with all during this hard time… hold the good memories close…
Gayle Chase says
My condolences and prayers for Jackie and family what wonderful memories you have of Clinton.
arnie bighorn says
Our Condolences to the family, our prayers are with you, the Bighorn-Crowbelts, riverside/brockton.
Jael Kampfe says
Our condolences to the family. You have lost a great man, but in what we know in Sharon, I am sure his spirit is thriving through so many of you. A spirit that large needs a lot of descendents to carry the family values on. He has made his mark and he must be smiling knowing that all of you make him proud.
Wish we could be with the family today as you lay him to rest, but we are in spirit, Gerald Sherman & Jael Kampfe
Bernadine and family says
My prayers and condolences go out to Jackie and Family.
God bless you all and give you comfort.
Darlyn Grainger says
Jackie and families. So sorry for your loss of your beloved husband, Dad, Grandpa, friend. My thoughts n prayers are with you all during this most difficult time
Kent S Moran says
Condolences to Clintons’ family. Condolences to my family. I will miss hearing his stories and wisdom. Wopida
Shirley Skinner says
Jackie we were so sorry to hear of Clinton’s passing. We had not heard about it until today. Prayers, condolences and hugs to you.
Cindy Jacobs says
Prayers to all of you and I am so sorry to hear about your loss! Daddy’s are hard to lose and I will keep you all in my thoughts and prayers!
Ej Lambert says
My sincere condolences to Jackie and families, it was a pleasure cowboy may you rest in peace.