In the heart of Nevada, a family business has been weaving magic for over five decades, offering enchanting sleigh and carriage rides against the backdrop of breathtaking scenery. Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, formerly known as Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides, is more than just a tourism operator; it is a testament to enduring family passion, a deep love for animals, and a commitment to creating unforgettable memories for its patrons. This long-standing enterprise, which began its journey in 1967, continues to thrive, a shining example of small business dedication in the face of evolving challenges.
The genesis of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is a story rooted in serendipity and a touch of good fortune. The narrative began when Sam Borges, the patriarch of the family, won a pony in a raffle. This unexpected prize sparked an idea that would ultimately shape generations of his family. Naming the pony "Little Joe," a nod to a beloved character from the iconic Western television series Bonanza, Sam’s vision began to take shape. Initially, he offered pony rides to neighborhood children, a simple endeavor that sowed the seeds for something much grander. Soon, Sam acquired his first horse and sleigh, and in partnership with Brooks Park, he began offering sleigh rides across his cattle fields during the winter months. This early collaboration laid the foundation for a business that would grow to become a cherished local institution.
The torch of this cherished family legacy was eventually passed to Dianna Borges and her husband, Dwight. Today, their children are actively involved, perpetuating the passion and dedication that have defined the business since its inception. This multi-generational involvement underscores the deep familial pride and commitment invested in Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides. The business has navigated over fifty years of operation, a remarkable feat in any industry, and the Borges family expresses profound gratitude for their longevity and continued success.
The offerings of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides are as diverse as the seasons they serve, with a particular emphasis on creating magical experiences during the holiday season. Dianna describes their role during this festive period as "Santa’s personal Uber," a whimsical yet accurate depiction of their involvement in local celebrations. The company frequently participates in tree lighting ceremonies, Santa sleigh rides, Christmas caroling events, and various other special city festivities. Their presence adds a unique charm and festive spirit to these community gatherings, embodying the joy and wonder of the holiday season.
Beyond the winter festivities, Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides provides bespoke experiences for a range of special occasions throughout the year. Their services are frequently sought after for birthday celebrations, romantic marriage proposals, and elegant weddings. The company has also catered to cultural milestones such as Quinceañeras and Sweet Sixteens, adding a touch of timeless romance and enchantment to these significant events. These tailored experiences highlight the business’s adaptability and commitment to meeting the unique needs of its clientele.
The core of their year-round operations includes scheduled tours designed to showcase the natural beauty of the Lake Tahoe region. They offer both one-hour and 30-minute tours. During the winter months, the sleigh rides take place on the picturesque north shore near Sand Harbor, offering guests unparalleled views of the lake and surrounding snow-covered landscapes. As the seasons transition to summer, the focus shifts to carriage rides that explore the local towns, winding through areas near shops and restaurants, and offering scenic routes down to the lake. The operation currently maintains a stable of approximately 15 horses, each integral to the magic they provide.
The demanding nature of operating a business centered around the care and use of horses is a lifestyle choice for the Borges family, not merely a job. Dianna emphasizes this point, stating, "What we do is not a job… it’s a lifestyle." The daily routine begins before dawn, with feeding the horses at 6 a.m., and concludes with their evening meal at 6 p.m. Beyond feeding, the responsibilities extend to maintaining pastures, ensuring the integrity of fences, and attending to a myriad of other daily tasks. The unpredictable nature of animal care means that the family must be prepared for any eventuality, even if it means responding to emergencies in the middle of the night. The sheer volume of work involved makes it difficult to quantify the exact number of hours dedicated to the business, as the responsibilities are constant.
Despite the long and arduous hours, the Borges family views their work as a privilege. They reside on a beautiful property, surrounded by their beloved horses, and derive immense satisfaction from a profession that brings happiness to themselves and others. This deep connection to their work and their animals is a driving force behind their enduring commitment.
One of the most significant challenges faced by Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, and indeed the broader horse-drawn transportation industry, is public perception. Dianna articulates a common misconception that businesses in this sector solely exploit their animals for financial gain. She vehemently refutes this notion, stating, "We love our horses and want to see them treated right." The family attributes much of this negative perception to media portrayals that, in their view, have unfairly tarnished the reputation of horse welfare in the industry.
A key aspect of their daily operations involves educating the public about the genuine needs and well-being of their horses. They emphasize that horses require regular work and exercise to maintain their health and vitality. Dianna shares a poignant observation about their older horses, noting that even those in their 30s, who can no longer be worked extensively, often exhibit signs of depression when deprived of human interaction. This highlights a mutual benefit derived from their partnership with humans; the horses are not merely tools but active participants who derive fulfillment from their roles within the team. The business adheres to stringent regulations and always prioritizes the welfare of its animals, ensuring they receive the best possible care.
The challenge of overcoming misconceptions about horse ownership is ongoing. The family strives for transparency in their interactions with customers and the public, seeking to foster understanding and appreciation for the unique bond between humans and horses. Dianna uses an analogy to illustrate this point: just as some people find companionship in pet spiders, the connection with horses is deeply personal and often misunderstood by those unfamiliar with them. The unwavering support of their loyal customer base, who witness their passion firsthand, is what sustains them. The joy on a child’s face upon seeing one of their magnificent horses is a powerful reminder of the positive impact they have.
In navigating the complexities of running a small business, Dianna and Dwight have found a valuable ally in Patriot Software. The accounting and payroll software has proven to be an efficient and user-friendly solution for their needs, particularly given that they are not accountants by profession. The software’s flexibility and ease of learning have been instrumental in streamlining their financial operations, allowing them to focus on the core aspects of their business.
Dianna highlights the accessibility of Patriot Software’s customer support, a stark contrast to their experiences with larger companies in the past. The cost-effectiveness and simplicity of the software, once mastered, have provided them with "one less thing to worry about" in the demanding landscape of small business management. This operational efficiency is crucial for a business that wears many hats, ensuring that administrative tasks do not detract from their primary mission of providing exceptional customer experiences.
What Dianna and her family are most proud of is their overarching motto and mission: to make people happy. Their primary objective is to create lasting memories for their guests, a mission they consider a profound blessing. They believe that offering something as special as a sleigh or carriage ride requires a unique set of skills and a deep capacity for empathy. Their team embodies this ethos, sharing their love for the animals and their passion for creating joy with every guest and team member.
When not immersed in the demands of their business, Dianna and Dwight embrace a spirit of adventure and family. They are avid travelers, exploring both domestic and international destinations. Dianna fondly recalls Antarctica as her favorite travel experience, while Dwight favors Costa Rica. Their travels often involve seeking out sleigh rides around the globe, a way to connect with different cultures and people. These journeys underscore a broader philosophical outlook: despite geographical and cultural differences, humanity shares more commonalities than distinctions. Their travels also serve as a source of inspiration, allowing them to bring new perspectives back to their business. They also cherish spending time with their family and horses at their ranch, often embarking on trail rides together for leisure and to give the horses a chance to stretch their legs.
For aspiring entrepreneurs hoping to make a positive impact on their communities through their own 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 encounter challenges, but a genuine love for one’s work provides the resilience needed to overcome them. The sentiment that if you truly love what you do, you will "never work a day in your life," encapsulates their philosophy and serves as a powerful guiding principle for anyone embarking on their entrepreneurial journey.
Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides stands as a beacon of tradition, passion, and resilience. Their story, deeply intertwined with the history of the Lake Tahoe region and the unwavering dedication of the Borges family, continues to unfold, promising more years of enchanting experiences and cherished memories for all who step aboard their sleighs and carriages. The business’s ability to adapt, coupled with its deep-seated commitment to animal welfare and customer satisfaction, positions it as a vital and beloved part of the Nevada tourism landscape for years to come.
This article was 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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