For over five decades, the Borges family has been a cherished fixture in the Nevada landscape, offering enchanting sleigh and carriage rides that have become synonymous with cherished memories and breathtaking scenery. This enduring legacy, currently helmed by Dianna Borges and her family, is a testament to a passion for hospitality, a deep connection with their equine partners, and a commitment to providing experiences that resonate for a lifetime. What began with a raffle prize and a child’s imagination has blossomed into a multi-generational enterprise, deeply interwoven with the fabric of the Lake Tahoe community.
The roots of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, formerly known as Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides, trace back to 1967. The story’s genesis is as charming as the rides themselves: Sam Borges, Dianna’s father-in-law, won a pony in a raffle. This seemingly small victory sparked a grand idea. Naming the pony "Little Joe," a nod to the popular Western television series Bonanza, Sam began offering pony rides to neighborhood children. The allure of horse-drawn transportation soon evolved, leading to Sam acquiring his first horse and sleigh. A pivotal moment arrived when Sam and his wife, Rosie, forged an agreement with Brooks Park, enabling them to offer sleigh rides across his cattle fields during the winter months. This early collaboration laid the groundwork for what would become a cornerstone of winter tourism and special occasion celebrations in the region.
The torch of this family legacy was eventually passed to Dianna and her husband, Dwight. Today, their children are also actively involved, perpetuating the family’s passion and commitment to the business. This multi-generational involvement underscores the deep emotional investment and dedication that fuels Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides. The family expresses profound gratitude for the longevity of their business, recognizing the rarity of such sustained success in the entrepreneurial world.
A Tapestry of Experiences: More Than Just Rides
Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides offers a diverse array of services, catering to both the festive spirit of the holiday season and the celebratory milestones of life. During the winter months, the company often takes on the role of "Santa’s personal Uber," participating in community events such as tree lightings and Santa-themed sleigh rides. These events are not merely commercial ventures but integral components of community engagement, fostering a sense of shared joy and seasonal wonder. The company has become a sought-after partner for numerous city events, contributing to the festive atmosphere of Christmas caroling and other special gatherings.
Beyond the holiday rush, the company provides elegant carriage rides for a spectrum of personal celebrations. These include romantic marriage proposals, cherished wedding days, and joyous Quinceañeras and Sweet Sixteens. The ability to provide a unique and memorable backdrop for such significant life events is a core aspect of their service offering.
The company also offers year-round tours, with options for one-hour and 30-minute excursions. During the winter, the breathtaking scenery of Sand Harbor State Park on the north shore of Lake Tahoe provides a spectacular setting for their sleigh rides. As the seasons change, their summer offerings shift to more urban-oriented carriage tours, weaving through areas near local shops and restaurants, and also providing scenic routes down to the lake. Currently, the operation boasts a stable of approximately 15 horses, each playing a vital role in delivering these unique experiences.
A Life’s Calling: The Demands of a Passionate Endeavor
For Dianna Borges, operating Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides transcends the conventional definition of a job; it is a profound lifestyle. The commitment required is far from a simple nine-to-five engagement. "It’s not as simple as turning a key and switching on some lights," Dianna explains. The horses are the heart of the operation, and their care dictates a constant schedule. Feeding occurs at 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily, but the responsibilities extend far beyond these scheduled times. Maintaining pastures, ensuring the integrity of fences, and addressing any unforeseen issues, such as horses straying from their stalls in the dead of night, demand round-the-clock vigilance. This unwavering dedication means that the concept of traditional working hours becomes largely irrelevant.
While the business operates year-round, with adjusted hours during the winter, quantifying the exact number of hours worked is a challenge. Dianna describes it as a "privileged lifestyle" that demands significant effort. The reward, however, lies in living on a beautiful property, surrounded by beloved animals, and performing a job that brings happiness to both the operators and their clientele. This intrinsic satisfaction, coupled with the scenic environment, makes the demanding work a labor of love.
Navigating Public Perception: Championing Animal Welfare
One of the most significant challenges faced by Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, and indeed many businesses in the animal-centric tourism industry, is overcoming public misconceptions regarding animal welfare. Dianna expresses frustration with the assumption that businesses like hers exploit their animals solely for financial gain. "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," she states. The family’s deep affection for their horses is paramount, and ensuring their well-being is a top priority. Dianna attributes some of this negative perception to the influence of media portrayals that, in her view, have unfairly tarnished the reputation of the industry.
A crucial aspect of their advocacy involves educating the public about the essential role that work and exercise play in maintaining the health and vitality of horses. Dianna emphasizes that their horses genuinely enjoy their roles. She highlights the case of two horses in their thirties who, due to age, can no longer be worked extensively but still exhibit signs of depression when deprived of human interaction. This underscores the symbiotic relationship that exists, where the horses thrive on engagement and being part of a team. The business adheres to stringent regulations and consistently prioritizes the best interests of their animals. The challenge lies in bridging the gap in understanding for those who may not have direct experience with horses, akin to understanding niche pet ownership.
The unwavering support of their customers, many of whom have witnessed the family’s passion firsthand, is instrumental in their continued operation. The genuine delight on children’s faces upon seeing their horses serves as a powerful affirmation of their mission and the positive impact they strive to achieve.
Leveraging Technology for Efficiency: The Patriot Software Advantage
In managing the multifaceted demands of their business, efficiency in financial operations is crucial. Dianna Borges highlights the significant role Patriot Software plays in streamlining their accounting and payroll processes. As a small business where individuals often wear multiple hats, including those of operators, caretakers, and administrators, user-friendly and effective software is indispensable. Dianna describes Patriot Software as "very flexible" and "easy to learn," particularly for those who, like her, are not professional accountants.
The accessibility of customer support has also been a key factor in their satisfaction. Compared to experiences with larger software companies, Dianna notes that connecting with Patriot for assistance has been "relatively easy." This direct line to support is invaluable for a small business that cannot afford to lose time troubleshooting complex technical issues. Patriot Software’s cost-effectiveness and ease of use have provided Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides with "one less thing to worry about" in the day-to-day running of their operation, allowing them to focus more on their core mission of creating joyful experiences.
A Mission of Happiness and Lasting Memories
What Dianna Borges and her family are most proud of is their core motto and mission: to make people happy. Their primary objective is to craft experiences that leave a lasting imprint on their guests’ hearts and minds. They view their ability to offer such a special service as a significant blessing, recognizing that only a select group of individuals can genuinely touch the lives of their guests in this profound way. The dedication of their team, their love for their animals, and their commitment to sharing that passion with guests and each other are the cornerstones of their success.
Beyond the Stable: A World of Exploration
When not immersed in the daily operations of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, Dianna and Dwight Borges are avid travelers. Their adventures have taken them across the globe, with Antarctica and Costa Rica standing out as particularly memorable destinations. These journeys are often shared with family and are sometimes complemented by their passion for horses, with trail rides on their own ranch offering a form of recreation and connection. This approach to life, characterized by working hard and playing hard, reflects a balanced and fulfilling existence. Their travels also extend to experiencing sleigh rides in different parts of the world, providing opportunities to connect with new cultures and people. These experiences have reinforced their belief in the fundamental similarities that unite humanity, transcending geographical and cultural differences.
A Guiding Principle for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For individuals aspiring to launch their own small businesses and make a positive impact within their communities, Dianna Borges offers a piece of advice passed down through generations: "Find what it is you love doing and make money doing it." While acknowledging that all businesses encounter challenges, she emphasizes that a genuine love for one’s work provides the resilience needed to overcome obstacles. The ultimate measure of success, in her view, lies in finding fulfillment in one’s endeavors, leading to a life where work feels less like a chore and more like a calling. This philosophy underscores the importance of passion as the driving force behind sustainable and meaningful entrepreneurship.
Connecting with Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides:
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This customer success story was made possible by a gift card provided as a token of appreciation for sharing their experiences and feedback. The original publication date of this article was December 13, 2019, and it has since been updated to reflect the company’s name change to Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides.
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