The crisp winter air in Nevada often carries with it the jingle of sleigh bells and the gentle clip-clop of hooves, sounds that have been a hallmark of the Borges family legacy for over half a century. Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, a cherished family-run business, has been weaving winter wonder and year-round enchantment for generations, offering guests an unforgettable journey through breathtaking landscapes and into the heart of cherished memories. This enduring enterprise, now led by Dianna Borges and her husband Dwight, embodies a profound commitment to both their animals and the joy they bring to countless visitors.
The origins of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides trace back to a serendipitous raffle win in 1967. Sam Borges, the patriarch of the family, won a pony, a creature he affectionately named "Little Joe," inspired by a beloved character from the television Western "Bonanza." This seemingly small prize sparked a grand vision: the creation of a horse-drawn sleigh ride experience. What began as simple pony rides for neighborhood children in 1967 soon evolved. Sam acquired his first horse and sleigh, and in partnership with Brooks Park, began offering sleigh rides across his cattle fields during the winter months. This initial venture laid the groundwork for a business that would not only survive but thrive for decades, becoming a cornerstone of local tourism and a testament to family dedication.
Over the years, the reins of the operation were passed down to Dianna and Dwight Borges. Today, their children actively participate in the business, sharing the same passion that ignited its inception. This multi-generational involvement ensures the continuation of the family’s core values and their deep-seated love for the horses and the unique service they provide. The business, which has operated for over 50 years, is a testament to their resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to their craft.
The services offered by Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides are as varied as the seasons. During the holiday period, the company transforms into a vital component of community celebrations, serving as a festive transport for events like tree lightings and Santa-themed sleigh rides. This seasonal surge in activity sees the team actively participating in Christmas caroling events and other city-sponsored festivities, bringing a touch of magic to the holiday spirit. Dianna describes their role during this time as "Santa’s personal Uber," a charming analogy that captures the essence of their festive contributions.
Beyond the winter holidays, the company provides elegant carriage rides for a spectrum of special occasions. Celebrations such as birthdays, marriage proposals, and weddings are elevated by the romantic and picturesque backdrop of a horse-drawn carriage. The business has also catered to cultural milestones, including Quinceañeras and Sweet Sixteens, adding a unique and memorable element to these significant events.
The operational scope of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides extends throughout the year. They offer both one-hour and 30-minute tours, adapting their offerings to the time of year and client needs. In the winter, the north shore of Lake Tahoe, near the stunning Sand Harbor State Park, becomes the backdrop for their iconic sleigh rides, a location renowned for its "gorgeous" scenery right on the lake. During the warmer months, the company shifts to a more urban-style carriage tour, meandering through areas populated by shops and restaurants, and also offers scenic rides down to the lake’s edge. The current fleet comprises approximately 15 horses, each playing a vital role in delivering these exceptional experiences.
The dedication required to operate a business centered around live animals is profound, and Dianna Borges articulates this with clarity. "What we do is not a job… it’s a lifestyle," she states, emphasizing the 24/7 commitment involved. The daily routine begins at 6 a.m. with feeding the horses, followed by another feeding at 6 p.m. This core responsibility is supplemented by the ongoing care of pastures, fences, and a myriad of other operational tasks. The unpredictability of animal care means that the team is always on call, prepared to attend to any need, even in the middle of the night. This inherent commitment makes quantifying exact work hours a challenge, as the well-being of their 15-strong equine team takes precedence. Despite the demanding schedule, the Borges family views their lifestyle as a privilege. They operate on a beautiful property, surrounded by their beloved horses, and engage in work that brings happiness to themselves and others.
One of the most significant challenges faced by Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, and indeed many businesses in the animal entertainment industry, is public perception. Dianna expresses frustration with the assumption that their primary motivation is financial gain, often at the expense of animal welfare. She firmly refutes this notion, asserting that the welfare and happiness of their horses are paramount. She attributes some of this negative perception to media portrayals that, in her view, have unfairly tarnished the reputation of horse-related industries.
A crucial aspect of their advocacy is educating the public on the essential role that work and exercise play in maintaining a horse’s health and well-being. Dianna shares a compelling observation: "Our horses love their jobs!" She highlights the case of two horses in their 30s who, while no longer able to work extensively due to age, exhibit signs of depression and lethargy when deprived of human interaction. This underscores the symbiotic relationship between the horses and their handlers, suggesting that the animals derive satisfaction and purpose from their roles within the team. The business adheres to numerous regulations and consistently prioritizes the best interests of its animals. The pervasive misconception surrounding horse ownership, often stemming from a lack of direct experience with these animals, necessitates a commitment to transparency in their dealings with customers and the wider community. Dianna likens this to understanding the passion of someone who keeps spiders as pets, advocating for open-mindedness and avoiding judgment based on limited information. The enduring support of their clientele, who understand their deep affection for their animals, is what makes their efforts worthwhile, particularly when witnessing the sheer delight on children’s faces upon encountering their horses.
In managing the administrative aspects of their multifaceted business, Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides has found a valuable partner in Patriot Software. Dianna describes the software as "very flexible" and "easy to learn," a critical factor for a small business team that, while adept at animal care and customer service, does not comprise professional accountants. The efficiency and user-friendliness of Patriot Software have been instrumental in streamlining their financial operations, allowing them to focus on their core business. The ease of accessing support from Patriot representatives stands in stark contrast to their past experiences with larger software providers, which often involved more complex and time-consuming processes. Patriot Software’s cost-effectiveness and straightforward interface have provided a significant operational advantage, reducing a layer of worry for the business owners.
The core pride of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides lies in their motto and overarching mission: to bring happiness to people. Their primary objective is to create lasting memories for their guests, a mission they consider a profound blessing. They believe that offering such a unique and joy-inducing experience requires a special kind of individual and a dedicated team. The deep affection they hold for their animals and the joy they derive from sharing this passion with their guests and team members form the bedrock of their operation.
When not immersed in the demands of the business, Dianna and Dwight Borges embrace a spirit of adventure and exploration. They are avid travelers, both domestically and internationally, with Antarctica and Costa Rica ranking among their favorite destinations. Their travels often involve seeking out sleigh rides in different parts of the world, offering them opportunities to connect with diverse cultures and people. These experiences reinforce their belief in the fundamental commonalities that bind humanity, highlighting similarities over differences. When they are not on the road, their time is dedicated to their family and their horses on their ranch. Days off are often spent embarking on trail rides, providing their horses with enjoyable exercise. This philosophy of "work hard, play hard" permeates their approach to life.
For aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to make a positive impact on their communities through small businesses, the Borges family offers a piece of enduring advice passed down through generations: "Find what it is you love doing and make money doing it." They acknowledge that all businesses face challenges, but a genuine passion for one’s work serves as the driving force to overcome obstacles. Their guiding principle is simple yet profound: if you love what you do, you will never truly feel like you are working.
Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, a business born from a simple raffle prize, has evolved into a legacy of joy, dedication, and familial commitment. Their story, spanning over five decades, is a testament to the power of passion, the importance of animal welfare, and the enduring magic of creating unforgettable experiences.
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This customer story was made possible by a gift card provided as a token of appreciation for sharing their experiences and honest feedback. The article has been updated from its original publication date of December 13, 2019, to reflect the company’s name change from Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides to Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides.
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