For over five decades, a family-run business nestled in the breathtaking scenery of Nevada has been dedicated to crafting unforgettable experiences for generations of visitors. Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, formerly known as Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides, has cultivated a rich history rooted in a serendipitous raffle prize and a deep-seated love for horses and community. This enduring enterprise, now helmed by Dianna Borges and her family, continues to provide enchanting sleigh and carriage rides, embodying a commitment to happiness and lasting memories. Patriot Software, a provider of accounting and payroll solutions for small businesses, recently highlighted the company’s remarkable journey as part of its #PatriotSpotlight customer success series.
The origins of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides trace back to 1967, a period marked by burgeoning tourism in the Lake Tahoe region and a growing appreciation for unique outdoor activities. It was in this vibrant atmosphere that Sam Borges, the patriarch of the family, unexpectedly won a pony in a raffle. This seemingly small prize would become the catalyst for a legacy. Inspired by a favorite character from the iconic television show Bonanza, the pony was affectionately named Little Joe. What began as a simple endeavor of offering pony rides to neighborhood children in 1967 soon evolved. Sam Borges acquired his first horse and sleigh, laying the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone of local tourism. An early agreement with Brooks Park allowed the family to offer sleigh rides across their cattle fields during the winter months, a venture that quickly gained popularity and solidified the business’s niche.
The transition of leadership from Sam and his wife, Rosie, to their son, Dwight, and Dianna Borges, marked a significant chapter in the company’s history. This succession was not merely a transfer of ownership but a continuation of a shared passion. Today, the family’s commitment remains unwavering, with their children actively involved in the daily operations, perpetuating the legacy of their forefathers. This multi-generational involvement underscores the deep familial bond and shared dedication that fuel the business’s longevity. The company’s sustained success for over fifty years is a testament to their adaptability, resilience, and profound connection to their craft and the community they serve.
A Spectrum of Enchanting Experiences
Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides offers a diverse array of services, catering to a wide range of occasions and seasons. During the bustling holiday season, the company transforms into a veritable "Santa’s personal Uber," playing a pivotal role in local festivities. Their involvement in tree lighting ceremonies, Santa sleigh rides, Christmas caroling events, and other city-sponsored celebrations injects a palpable sense of holiday magic into the community. These events, often steeped in tradition, draw significant crowds, with families and individuals eager to partake in the festive atmosphere. The company’s ability to seamlessly integrate into these community gatherings highlights their role as a vital contributor to the local cultural fabric.
Beyond the festive period, Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides provides bespoke experiences for significant life events. Carriage rides are a popular choice for birthday celebrations, romantic marriage proposals, and cherished wedding ceremonies. The timeless elegance of a horse-drawn carriage adds an unparalleled touch of magic to these momentous occasions. Furthermore, the company has extended its services to cater to cultural celebrations such as Quinceañeras and Sweet Sixteens, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and celebrating diverse traditions.
The company’s offerings are not limited by the calendar. Throughout the year, they provide both one-hour and 30-minute tours, allowing for flexible engagement with their services. During the winter months, the scenic sleigh rides take place along the north shore of Lake Tahoe, near the picturesque Sand Harbor State Park. The stunning vistas of the snow-dusted landscape and the shimmering lake create an idyllic setting for an unforgettable sleigh ride. As the seasons transition to summer, the focus shifts to carriage rides that offer a more urban experience, weaving through areas adjacent to local shops and restaurants, and extending down to the lakefront. Currently, the business operates with a stable of approximately 15 horses, each contributing to the unique charm and operational capacity of the company. The careful management of this equine team is central to their service delivery and animal welfare commitment.
The "Lifestyle" of Horse-Drawn Services: Beyond the Clock
For Dianna Borges, running Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides transcends the conventional definition of a job; it is an all-encompassing lifestyle. The demanding nature of animal care necessitates a constant state of readiness, blurring the lines between work and personal time. "What we do is not a job…it’s a lifestyle," Dianna explains. "I always tell people that it’s not as simple as turning a key and switching on some lights. We’re always on the job." The daily rhythm begins early, with feeding the horses at 6 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. This fundamental care is augmented by the ongoing responsibilities of maintaining pastures, ensuring the integrity of fences, and attending to other essential daily tasks. The unpredictability inherent in animal husbandry means that even late-night emergencies, such as straying horses, require immediate attention. This level of dedication makes quantifying weekly work hours a complex endeavor.
The business operates year-round, with adjustments to operating hours during the winter. However, the inherent demands of animal care and business management mean that the concept of a standard work week is largely inapplicable. Despite the significant effort involved, the Borges family views their situation as a privileged one. "We work hard and long hours, but we live on a beautiful piece of property with our beloved horses and we do a job that makes us and others happy," Dianna reflects. This perspective highlights a deep satisfaction derived from their work, finding fulfillment in both the challenging aspects and the profound joy it brings to their lives and the lives of their customers. The dedication to their horses and the unique experiences they provide are the driving forces behind their enduring commitment.
Navigating Misconceptions: Championing Animal Welfare
One of the most significant challenges faced by Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, and indeed the broader industry of horse-drawn services, is combating public misconceptions regarding animal welfare. Dianna expresses frustration with the assumption that businesses in this sector prioritize profit over the well-being of their animals. "The hardest part about running our business is the public’s opinions about our type of business and the industry that we’re in," she states. "A lot of people assume that the majority of us only work our animals to make money. But, that couldn’t be further from the truth. We love our horses and want to see them treated right." She attributes a portion of this negative perception to the influence of media portrayals that can sometimes inaccurately depict the realities of working with animals.
A critical aspect of their mission involves educating the public about the necessity of work and exercise for maintaining a horse’s health and well-being. Dianna emphasizes that their horses genuinely enjoy their roles. She cites examples of horses in their late twenties and thirties who, due to age, can no longer participate in strenuous work. However, even these older horses exhibit signs of distress and listlessness when deprived of human interaction and their accustomed routines. "Our horses love their jobs!" she asserts. "I have two horses that are in their 30s and we can’t work them as much anymore because of their age. But, they seem to get down and depressed when they don’t have human contact. The horses truly enjoy being a part of the team and working." The business adheres strictly to all relevant regulations and consistently prioritizes the best interests of their animals.
The historical impact of negative perceptions has created a significant hurdle, compelling the team at Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides to maintain a high degree of transparency in their interactions with customers and the public. "The truth is, not enough people are around horses to understand them," Dianna observes. She draws an analogy to personal pet preferences, suggesting that judging others based on their choices is unproductive. The unwavering support of their loyal customer base, who witness firsthand their passion for animal care, is a source of strength and validation. The sight of a child’s eyes lighting up at the sight of one of their horses serves as a powerful reminder of the profound positive impact they are making.
Patriot Software: Streamlining Operations for a Passionate Enterprise
In the complex landscape of running a small business, efficient administrative processes are paramount. Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides has found a valuable partner in Patriot Software, a company dedicated to providing accessible and user-friendly accounting and payroll solutions. Dianna highlights the software’s adaptability and ease of use, particularly for individuals who, like herself, do not possess an accounting background. "Patriot has been very flexible for us. It was very easy for us to learn, especially since we’re not accountants," she notes. This accessibility is crucial for small businesses that often require their owners to wear multiple hats.
The efficiency of Patriot Software has been a significant asset. "We’re a small business that wears many hats, and we’ve found that it’s efficient," Dianna states. Access to support is another key factor in their positive experience. "Getting hold of people at Patriot for help has been relatively easy." This contrasts with past experiences with larger providers, which often involved more cumbersome and time-consuming processes. "We’ve tried larger companies in the past, and it was always a ton of more work," she recalls. The cost-effectiveness and straightforward learning curve of Patriot Software have proven to be a winning combination, allowing the team to focus their energy on their core business. "Patriot is cost-effective and it’s super easy once you learn the software. You guys have a great product and it has given us one less thing to worry about when it comes to running our business." This sentiment underscores the value of reliable and user-friendly tools in alleviating operational burdens for small business owners.
A Mission of Happiness and Lasting Memories
The core of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides’ success lies in its deeply ingrained mission: to make people happy and create memories that endure. Dianna proudly articulates their motto and objective, stating, "We’re proud of our motto and mission: to make people happy. Our main objective is making people happy and giving others memories that last a lifetime." This commitment to emotional connection and the creation of cherished experiences is what sets them apart. They view their ability to offer such a unique and special service as a significant blessing.
The team at Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides recognizes that touching the hearts of their guests requires a special kind of dedication and a unique set of skills. "There’s a special group of people who can do that, and it takes a special person to touch our guests’ hearts," Dianna observes. The shared love for their animals and the joy of extending that affection to their guests and team members form the bedrock of their operations. This shared passion fosters a positive work environment and ensures that every interaction is infused with warmth and genuine care.
Leisure and Global Perspectives: Travel and Family
When not immersed in the demanding yet rewarding world of their business, Dianna and Dwight Borges embrace a passion for travel, exploring both domestic and international destinations. These journeys often include a unique focus: experiencing sleigh rides in diverse locales around the globe. Antarctica and Costa Rica stand out as particularly memorable destinations for Dianna and Dwight, respectively. These travels not only provide personal enrichment but also offer opportunities to connect with new people and gain insights into different cultures. "When we travel, we like to go on sleigh rides all over the globe. We really enjoy meeting new people around the world and learning about their culture," Dianna shares. This outward-looking perspective fosters a broader understanding of humanity, highlighting the underlying similarities that connect people across varied backgrounds.
Their personal time is also dedicated to their family and their beloved horses, often spent at their ranch. Trail rides on horseback serve as both leisure and a gentle form of exercise for the animals, embodying their holistic approach to their relationship with their horses. This balanced approach to work and leisure, often described as "working hard, but also playing hard," allows them to maintain their energy and enthusiasm for their demanding profession. Their travels also reinforce the idea that despite cultural differences, shared human experiences and connections are abundant.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Passion as the Driving Force
For individuals harboring aspirations of launching their own small businesses and making a positive impact on their communities, the Borges family offers a profound piece of advice, passed down through generations: "Find what it is you love doing and make money doing it." This guiding principle emphasizes the transformative power of passion in overcoming the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship. Dianna acknowledges that all businesses encounter obstacles, but a genuine love for one’s work provides the resilience needed to persevere. "All businesses have their challenges. But if you love what you’re doing, you’ll make it through them," she states. The ultimate reward, they suggest, is a life where work feels less like a chore and more like a fulfilling endeavor. "What matters is that you love what you do. If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life." This philosophy underscores the enduring value of aligning one’s professional pursuits with their deepest interests and passions.
Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides stands as a beacon of enduring family tradition, community engagement, and unwavering dedication to animal welfare. Their story, amplified by partners like Patriot Software, serves as an inspiring testament to the power of passion, resilience, and the creation of lasting joy.
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This customer received a gift card as a thank you for sharing their story and unbiased feedback.
This article has been updated from its original publication date of December 13, 2019, to reflect the company’s name change.
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