A Legacy on Horseback: How My Grandfather Rode Toward a Better Life by Hailey Evans
The Escape That Defined a Legacy
Most teenagers dream of adventure—but Brad Volin wasn’t chasing dreams. He was running from abuse, armed with nothing but a horse, $3.50, and a burning hope that life could be different.
Born Into Hardship
Brad was born in 1903 in Camp Crook, South Dakota—his family’s house stood in Montana, their barn in Dakota. It was rugged land, and life was just as harsh. When his father died before Brad was two, his mother remarried a man named Ed Robinson who brought fear, not relief, into their lives.
Brad and his sister, Stella, were denied education and forced to work from an early age. He broke horses, mended fences, hunted for milk cows—and bore witness to horrifying abuse. Brad’s home wasn’t a place of safety. It was a place he survived.
The Glimmers of Hope
Even in the darkest seasons, there were small sparks of light. Brad’s maternal grandparents, Grandma and Grandpa Ripley, offered moments of care and encouraged schooling during the winter months. These rare chances to learn gave Brad a vision of what life could be—something more than pain and survival.
A Bold Decision at Sixteen
At age 15, Brad made the bravest decision of his life. With Stella already in Kalispell, Montana, he saddled his horse and left everything behind. No plan. No map. Just the will to break free.
The journey was grueling—through wild terrain, under the weight of loneliness, and with little food or shelter. But kindness met him on the trail: a rancher who shared a meal, a stranger who offered encouragement, a farmer who gave his horse a place to rest.
Starting from Scratch in Kalispell
Brad arrived in Kalispell with little more than determination. He sold his horse for a box of apples, a mackinaw coat, and $21. He survived on odd jobs—breaking horses, hauling lumber, farming. He eventually secured 200 acres of land on nothing but a handshake and a promise to cut 100 cords of wood.
With salvaged bunkhouses from an old mill, he built a home. And over time, he built a family, marrying and raising three sons: Bill, Raymond, and Leonard.
Faith as a Foundation
In 1941, Brad’s life shifted again—this time through faith. It became his foundation, guiding how he lived, worked, and raised his children. He was no longer just surviving—he was leading a legacy.
Why This Story Still Matters
Brad Volin’s journey is more than a piece of family history—it’s a powerful reminder that resilience can reshape a life. His story isn’t just inspiring; it’s instructive. In a world overwhelmed with noise, numbers, and distractions, his story shows the quiet strength of grit, resourcefulness, and hope.
And we only know it because Brad and my grandmother took the time to write it down.
What Legacy Are You Leaving?
If you’ve ever thought, “I should write that story down someday”—let today be the day. Whether it’s your own journey or your grandparents’ path across untamed land, the stories you preserve will outlast the things you collect.
Start with a conversation. Record a voice memo. Ask the questions. Because one day, someone you love will be looking for that piece of strength. And what they’ll need most… is your story.
You’re just one story away.
—Hailey
