For over five decades, Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides has been a cornerstone of the Nevada tourism landscape, offering enchanting experiences that transport guests through breathtaking scenery and create cherished memories. This family-run business, formerly known as Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides, has evolved from a humble raffle prize into a cherished institution, now helmed by Dianna Borges and her family, who continue to uphold a legacy of passion for their horses and dedication to customer joy. Patriot Software, a provider of accounting and payroll solutions for small businesses, recently highlighted the enduring success and unique operational ethos of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides in its #PatriotSpotlight customer success series.
The genesis of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is a charming tale rooted in serendipity. In 1967, Sam Borges, the patriarch of the family, won a pony in a raffle. This fortunate turn of events, coupled with a shared love for the iconic Western television series Bonanza, led to the naming of the pony "Little Joe." This initial spark quickly ignited a vision for horse-drawn experiences. What began as Sam offering pony rides to neighborhood children soon blossomed into the acquisition of his first horse and sleigh. A pivotal partnership was forged with Brooks Park, allowing Sam and his wife, Rosie, to offer sleigh rides across their cattle fields during the winter months. This early venture laid the groundwork for what would become a multi-generational business, deeply intertwined with the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe region. The business has since been passed down through the family, with Dianna and her husband Dwight now at the helm, their children actively contributing to the daily operations and sharing the same deep-seated passion for their work.
The offerings of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides are as diverse as the seasons they serve. During the bustling holiday period, the company transforms into a whimsical mode of transport, often likened to "Santa’s personal Uber." They are integral participants in local festivities, providing sleigh rides for tree lightings, Christmas caroling events, and other special city celebrations. Beyond the festive season, their services extend to a variety of significant life events. Carriage rides are a popular choice for birthdays, romantic marriage proposals, and elegant weddings, adding a touch of timeless romance to these occasions. The company also caters to cultural celebrations, having provided memorable rides for Quinceañeras and Sweet Sixteens.
Year-round, Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides offers both one-hour and 30-minute tours, providing flexibility for diverse customer needs. In the winter, the picturesque north shore of Lake Tahoe, near Sand Harbor State Park, becomes the backdrop for their iconic sleigh rides, offering guests unparalleled views of the frozen lake and surrounding snow-dusted landscapes. As the seasons shift, their offerings adapt to the summer months, featuring more urban-style carriage tours that wind through areas rich with shops and restaurants, as well as excursions that lead down to the lakefront. The operation currently boasts a stable of approximately 15 horses, each a vital member of the team, contributing to the magical experiences provided.
The operational reality for Dianna and her team transcends the traditional definition of a job; it is a profound lifestyle choice. "What we do is not a job…it’s a lifestyle," Dianna states. The commitment is unwavering, with daily routines beginning at 6 a.m. for feeding the horses and concluding with evening feedings at 6 p.m. Beyond these essential care tasks, the team is responsible for maintaining pastures, ensuring the integrity of fences, and attending to a myriad of other daily duties. The demanding nature of animal care means that the work extends beyond conventional business hours. As Dianna explains, "If the horses get out of the stalls at 2 a.m., we have to go round them up in our pajamas." Quantifying exact hours worked is a challenge due to this constant state of readiness and the immersive nature of their work. While operating year-round, winter months typically involve slightly shorter hours, though the dedication remains perpetual. Despite the arduous hours and physical demands, the Borges family embraces their "privileged lifestyle," finding immense satisfaction in working amidst beautiful surroundings with their beloved horses, and engaging in a profession that brings joy to both themselves and their clientele.
One of the most significant challenges faced by Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, and indeed the broader animal-powered tourism industry, is navigating public perception. Dianna highlights the prevalent misconception that businesses of this nature exploit their animals solely for financial gain. "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 remarks. This perception, often fueled by sensationalized media portrayals, can unfairly tarnish the reputation of dedicated animal caretakers. The reality, as Dianna passionately asserts, is far from exploitative. "We love our horses and want to see them treated right," she emphasizes. A critical aspect of their advocacy involves educating the public about the essential role that work and exercise play in maintaining a horse’s health and well-being.
Dianna shares a compelling perspective on the horses’ own engagement with their work: "And honestly, our horses love their jobs!" She offers the poignant example of two horses in their thirties who, due to age, can no longer be worked as extensively. However, these older equines exhibit signs of depression and listlessness when deprived of human interaction, underscoring their deep connection to their roles within the team. Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides adheres strictly to all relevant regulations and prioritizes the welfare of their animals above all else. The challenge lies in overcoming widespread misinformation, a task they tackle through transparency and open communication with customers and the wider community. "The truth is, not enough people are around horses to understand them," Dianna observes, drawing an analogy to personal pet preferences to illustrate the importance of avoiding judgment based on limited understanding. The unwavering support of their loyal customer base, who witness firsthand their dedication and passion, is what sustains them through these challenges. The genuine delight on children’s faces upon encountering their horses serves as a constant affirmation of their mission.
In their pursuit of operational efficiency and to manage the financial aspects of their multifaceted business, Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides has found a valuable partner in Patriot Software. Dianna notes the software’s accessibility for non-accountants, a crucial factor for a small business where individuals often wear multiple hats. "Patriot has been very flexible for us. It was very easy for us to learn, especially since we’re not accountants," she states. The ease of obtaining support from Patriot Software is also a significant advantage, particularly when contrasted with previous experiences with larger, less responsive companies. "Getting hold of people at Patriot for help has been relatively easy," Dianna reports. The cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness of the software have streamlined their administrative processes, providing peace of mind and allowing them to concentrate on their core business operations. "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."
The pride of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is deeply rooted in their guiding motto and mission: to bring happiness to people and create enduring memories. "We’re proud of our motto and mission: to make people happy," Dianna shares. This commitment to customer joy forms the bedrock of their operations. They view their ability to offer such a unique and special service as a profound blessing, recognizing that it requires a particular kind of dedication and empathy to touch the hearts of their guests. The entire team at Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is united in their love for their animals and their commitment to sharing that affection with their guests and each other.
When the demands of the business momentarily subside, Dianna and Dwight embrace a passion for travel, exploring both domestic and international destinations. Antarctica holds a special place in Dianna’s heart as her favorite travel destination, while Dwight favors Costa Rica. These journeys often involve seeking out sleigh rides in various locales, offering a unique perspective on different cultures and fostering connections with people worldwide. Their travels reinforce the understanding that despite cultural variations, humanity shares more commonalities than differences. They also cherish their time spent at their ranch, engaging with their horses and embarking on trail rides, blending hard work with recreational pursuits.
For aspiring entrepreneurs aiming to make a positive impact within their communities through their own small businesses, the Borges family offers a timeless piece of advice, a philosophy passed down through generations: "Find what it is you love doing and make money doing it." They acknowledge that all businesses encounter challenges, but emphasize that a genuine passion for one’s work provides the resilience needed to overcome obstacles. "All businesses have their challenges. But if you love what you’re doing, you’ll make it through them," Dianna advises. The ultimate reward, they suggest, is experiencing the profound satisfaction of a career that feels less like work and more like a fulfilling life pursuit.
The enduring success of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is a testament to their unwavering dedication to their animals, their commitment to creating magical experiences for their customers, and their ability to adapt and thrive in a dynamic business environment. Their story, amplified by partnerships like the one with Patriot Software, serves as an inspiration to small business owners across the nation, highlighting the power of passion, family legacy, and a deep-seated love for what they do.
Connecting with Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides online can provide further insight into their enchanting world. The company’s journey, from a single raffle prize to a multi-generational business celebrating over 50 years of operation, underscores the enduring appeal of traditional experiences and the profound impact of a family’s dedication. This narrative, originally published on December 13, 2019, has been updated to reflect the company’s official name change, acknowledging its evolution while celebrating its consistent commitment to excellence and enchantment.
This customer received a gift card as a thank you for sharing their story and unbiased feedback.
About the Author
