Ferlin Blacksmith

Ferlin Robert “Mowgli” Blacksmith, age 28, “Puts Up A Good TeePee” given to him by Kenneth Spint Sr, took his last ride to the other side of camp on September 13th, 2020. Ferlin was born on August 17th, 1992 in Hardin, Montana to Brian and Ramona (Howe) Blacksmith. Ferlin was a member of the Whistling Water Clan and a Child of the Ties The Bundle, he grew up in Lodge Grass, MT for a majority of his childhood, then moved to Billings, Montana in middle school. He desired to return back to the homeland “LG Baby” and attended Lodge Grass High School for his first couple years, before receiving his high school diploma from Plenty Coups high school in Pryor, MT. While in school, Ferlin competed in little guy wrestling, football, cross country and basketball, playing varsity basketball for both the Lodge Grass Indians and Plenty Coup Warriors. Ferlin was a natural athlete but one thing he loved the most was working with horses. Ferlin grew up in the rodeo arena, where at an early age you could find him calf riding, steer riding, and then started riding bulls in junior high; also riding broncs both saddle and bareback. If there was a rodeo anywhere nearby you could always count on him being there behind the chutes with that big cheesy grin and contagious laugh with his friends getting ready to ride, or just helping out because that's what he loved to do. Ferlin was known throughout the country for his natural gift and skill as a jockey & horse trainer. He worked in Nebraska, Oklahoma, Iowa, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico and Kentucky jockeying, training, and caring for up to 20-40 head of horses at a time; he was the epitome of the saying “If you love what you do, you'll never work a day in your life”. Ferlin's horse whisperer abilities have taken him to many places on many teams and has introduced him to many friends and family. Ferlin has ridden many horses in both rodeo arenas and race tracks; his love for horses led him to where he recently resided in Independence, ND known as Awa Daa Hey. He was taken in by Charlie, Daniela, Garrett, Hailey & Jesse Vigen as their relay rider and eventually taken in as their son and brother. While competing in various relays doing what he loved to do, he met his companion Delecina Chief Eagle whom he adored and was soon to marry. Ferlin was never the one to boast about himself or his accomplishments, he was the definition of humble. Ferlin was very giving of not only himself but to whomever needed the help, people would try to pay/gift him of which he would politely say ‘just keep it” with his big smile. Ferlin was also a member of the Catholic Church, Our Lady of Loretto of Lodge Grass, Montana. Ferlin is survived by his parents, Brian (Bear) and Ramona Blacksmith, God Parents Charles (Theresa) Stops, sisters Ashley (Rumeal) Goodluck, Yvaughn (Shawn) Harrison, Shanelle (Elvis) Hogan, Taylee Evans, DeAndre (Shandel) Blacksmith, Mikisha (River) Blacksmith, Jacoby, Jaydin, Boy, Jason, Spencer, Raeanna, Cher, Alaina, Luana, Savannah Howe, Grandparents Robert and Carol Howe, Paternal Grandparents Hugh (Jewels) Blacksmith, Larry (Jackie) Blacksmith. Uncles & Aunties Darren, Everette (Jenece) Howe, Hugh Jr & Dell Blacksmith, Mary (Eldon) NotAfraid, Angie Two Bulls. Adoptive sisters, Chantal (Elijah) Stops & Melaina & Katelynn Ascencio, George NotAfraid. Adoptive parents are Dennis (Henrietta) Whiteman, Richard (Marilyn) Chief. Ferlin loved his nieces and nephews, Ivis, Koye, Husky, Cruz, Vincent, Shayla, Tahlia, Macey, Tanayah, Pretty, AnnaMae, Chez.