Galen LaPlante

Courtesy of Jon LaPlante

Galen LaPlante is a second generation farrier. He grew up west of Browning on the reservation in an area called greasewood, and he attended Montana State University Farrier/Horsemanship program in the 60-70’s.

He taught me about farriery when I was 8 years old, and I was shoeing horses with him over my shoulder at 12. 

If it weren't for my pops showing me this trade, I wouldn’t be shoeing horses from a wheelchair. I think this guy was born in the wrong generation: He was one hell of a horseshoer, and I can remember there were people all over the reservation asking him to shoe their horses. 

My uncle/cousin Terry Tatsey has told me numerous stories about my dad shoeing horses from young horses to the geriatric to crippled horses. I am sure thankful that my dad has shown me this trade and has me looking forward to attending Montana State University's Farrier program and also attended the Oklahoma Horseshoeing school.

Without him showing me the ropes, I don’t think that I would be capable of shoeing from a wheelchair.

— Jon LaPlante, Standoff, Alberta