Horse Sense Blazin’ Saddles are very expensive, so we are thankful when someone decides to pass along a good horse for us to use. They are well cared for at the ranch and very loved by our many campers. We generally run 20 to 25 heads of horses, so we have enough solid riding geldings for the camps, young stock coming up to replace the old ones and a few broodmares.
We keep a lot of the same horses from year to year, but sometimes we use a horse for a year or two, and can tell they are getting burnt out from so many different people riding them. When that happens, we find a good home for them. Not every horse can take the pressure of having many different riders. It takes a very special horse.
Built on Family Roots
My family owns the ranch where Blazin’ Saddles resides, and we own the horses used for the events. It’ s where my dad grew up, and I have a lot of memories playing in“ Grandpa’ s Barn” when I was young. The 100-year-old barn was a dairy barn where my grandpa and dad milked cows. We converted it into a horse barn, and now it is where campers meet their horses for the first time.
One of the most exciting moments at camp is watching the campers run to the barn to meet their camp horse. After meeting their special camp horse, they help groom and saddle it.
It takes a lot of time to plan the events and keep things running smoothly on the ranch and it requires team effort. I spend my time taking care of the horses, organizing the camps and events, as well as providing riding instruction.
My husband, Josh, farms and owns a trucking company. He does a lot of the behind-the-scenes maintenance on the camp buildings and keeps the horses fed in the cold winter months. Our daughter, Tyla, helps with camps and leads worship with her guitar around the evening campfires. Our son, Jace, enjoys caring for our small animals: dogs, cats, chickens, goats and rabbits.
Our family is blessed to be able to work together in ministry. We are thankful to be able to share the horses we love with so many people each year. It’ s a dream that became a reality and is now lived as a blessing to us and those who come to our ranch.
About the Author:
Amanda Tungseth loves ranch life and sharing her passion for Jesus and horses with others. She enjoys doing chores early in the morning while watching the sunrise, reading, horse camping trips with her family and homeschooling her kids.
Boys Camp Trail Ride. Photo courtesy of Amanda Tungseth
Girls Camp Trail Ride. Photo courtesy of Amanda Tungseth
AcreageLife. com March 2026 AcreageLife 45