For over half a century, Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, a cherished family-run enterprise based in Nevada, has been a cornerstone of memorable experiences for visitors and locals alike. What began with a humble raffle prize – a pony named Little Joe – has blossomed into a beloved business that continues to enchant guests with breathtaking sleigh and carriage rides against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe. This enduring legacy, now spanning more than fifty years, is a testament to the Borges family’s dedication to their craft, their animals, and the creation of lasting joy.
The genesis of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides dates back to 1967. Sam Borges, the patriarch of the family, unexpectedly won a pony in a raffle. This seemingly small stroke of luck ignited a passion for horse-drawn transportation. Naming the pony "Little Joe," a nod to a favorite character from the iconic Western series Bonanza, Sam began offering pony rides to neighborhood children. The entrepreneurial spirit, however, quickly evolved. Soon, Sam acquired his first horse and sleigh, and a partnership was formed with Brooks Park, allowing for sleigh rides across his expansive cattle fields during the winter months. This early foundation, built on community engagement and a love for horses, laid the groundwork for what would become a multi-generational family business.
The torch was eventually passed to Sam’s son, Dwight Borges, and his wife, Dianna. Under their stewardship, the business not only continued its legacy but expanded its offerings and reach. Today, their children are actively involved, ensuring that the passion and dedication that defined the company’s early years are carried forward. This seamless transition and continued family involvement are critical factors in the business’s sustained success and its ability to adapt to changing times while retaining its core values. The family’s deep connection to the region and its commitment to providing authentic, heartwarming experiences have solidified their place in the local community and as a significant draw for tourism in the Lake Tahoe area.
A Glimpse into the Enchanting Offerings
Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides offers a diverse range of experiences, catering to a variety of occasions and seasons. During the festive holiday season, the company transforms into a magical conduit for seasonal celebrations. Describing themselves as "Santa’s personal Uber," they play an integral role in local events such as tree lightings and Santa-led sleigh rides. Their involvement in Christmas caroling events and other special city gatherings underscores their commitment to fostering community spirit and spreading holiday cheer. This seasonal surge in activity highlights their adaptability and their ability to align their services with the cultural rhythms of the region.
Beyond the winter holidays, the company provides enchanting carriage rides for a spectrum of personal milestones. Engagements, weddings, and birthdays are elevated by the romantic ambiance of a horse-drawn carriage. They also cater to significant cultural celebrations, including Quinceañeras and Sweet Sixteens, adding a unique and unforgettable touch to these important rites of passage. This versatility demonstrates the broad appeal of their services and their capacity to create bespoke experiences for diverse clientele.
The core of their year-round offerings includes meticulously curated tours. Guests can opt for one-hour or thirty-minute excursions, each designed to showcase the distinct beauty of the Lake Tahoe region. During the winter months, the sleigh rides are a particular draw, traversing the picturesque north shore near Sand Harbor State Park, offering unparalleled views of the crystalline lake and snow-dusted landscapes. As the seasons change, the focus shifts to carriage rides that offer a more urban exploration, winding through areas dotted with charming shops and restaurants, and extending down to the lake’s edge. The company maintains a stable of approximately fifteen horses, each carefully selected and trained to provide safe and enjoyable rides, underscoring their commitment to animal welfare and operational excellence.
A Lifestyle, Not Just a Job: The Dedication of the Borges Family
For Dianna and Dwight Borges, operating Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is far more than a profession; it is a profound lifestyle choice that demands unwavering commitment. The notion of fixed working hours is practically obsolete. Their days begin early, with the essential task of feeding the horses at 6 a.m., and conclude with another feeding at 6 p.m. This schedule is punctuated by a multitude of responsibilities that extend beyond the direct operation of rides. Maintaining pastures, ensuring the integrity of fences, and attending to the daily needs of their equine partners are ongoing endeavors. The unpredictability inherent in animal care means that they are on call at all hours, ready to respond to any exigency, even in the middle of the night.
"What we do is not a job…it’s a lifestyle," Dianna explains, emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of their work. "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 sheer volume of tasks, combined with the emotional and physical investment required, makes quantifying their weekly work hours a near impossibility. Despite the demanding nature of their work, the Borges family derives immense satisfaction from their chosen path. They operate year-round, with adjustments to hours during the winter, but the commitment remains constant. This dedication is fueled by a deep appreciation for their unique circumstances. "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, encapsulating the rewarding duality of their lifestyle.
Navigating Perceptions: The Challenges of Animal Welfare Advocacy
One of the most significant hurdles faced by Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, and indeed by businesses in the equine industry, lies in combating public misconceptions and negative perceptions. Dianna articulates a deep-seated frustration with the assumption that businesses like hers primarily exploit their animals 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 states candidly. "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."
The Borges family’s narrative strongly counters this stereotype, highlighting their profound love and respect for their horses. They emphasize that their horses are not merely tools of the trade but cherished members of their family. A critical aspect of their advocacy involves educating the public about the importance of work and exercise for the health and well-being of horses. Dianna shares a poignant observation: "Our horses love their jobs!" She elaborates on the psychological benefits for the animals, noting that even older horses, like two in their thirties who can no longer be worked extensively, exhibit signs of depression and listlessness when deprived of human interaction and purpose. This insight challenges the conventional view of working animals and underscores the complex symbiotic relationship that exists within their operation.
The company adheres to stringent regulations and consistently prioritizes the welfare of their animals, a commitment that is paramount to their ethical framework. However, they acknowledge the detrimental impact that negative media portrayals and isolated incidents within the broader industry have had on their reputation. "It’s challenging because others have destroyed the reputation of owning horses," Dianna explains. This has led them to adopt a policy of radical transparency when engaging with customers and the public, aiming to foster understanding and dispel misinformation. They believe that a lack of direct experience with horses often fuels these misconceptions. "The truth is, not enough people are around horses to understand them," she observes, drawing an analogy to appreciating niche pet ownership, such as keeping spiders. "It’s kind of like those who like little spiders as pets. Who am I to judge that? So, you can’t judge a book by its cover." Ultimately, the unwavering support of their loyal customer base, who recognize and appreciate their genuine passion for their animals, is what sustains them. The visible joy on a child’s face upon seeing their horses is the ultimate validation of their efforts.
The Role of Patriot Software in Streamlining Operations
In the complex ecosystem of running a small business, particularly one as multifaceted as Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, efficient administrative tools are crucial. Patriot Software has emerged as a valuable partner in this regard, providing the Borges family with a streamlined and accessible accounting and payroll solution. Dianna highlights the software’s user-friendliness and flexibility, noting its particular benefit to those who, like her, are not accounting professionals. "Patriot has been very flexible for us. It was very easy for us to learn, especially since we’re not accountants," she states.
The ability to manage essential financial tasks without extensive specialized knowledge is a significant advantage for small business owners who often wear multiple hats. "We’re a small business that wears many hats, and we’ve found that it’s efficient," Dianna adds. The ease of accessing support from Patriot Software has also been a key differentiator. Compared to previous experiences with larger companies, the direct and accessible customer service offered by Patriot has been a welcome relief. "Getting hold of people at Patriot for help has been relatively easy. We’ve tried larger companies in the past, and it was always a ton of more work," she explains. The cost-effectiveness and intuitive nature of the software have allowed the Borges family to focus their energy on their core 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," Dianna concludes, underscoring the tangible benefits of their partnership.
A Legacy of Happiness and Enduring Memories
The most profound source of pride for the Borges family is their business’s overarching motto and mission: to bring happiness to others. Their primary objective is to create unforgettable memories for their guests, a goal they consistently achieve through their unique service. Dianna articulates this sentiment with deep conviction: "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." They recognize the privilege inherent in offering an experience that is both special and emotionally resonant.
The team at Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is dedicated to touching the hearts of their guests, a mission that is facilitated by their shared love for their animals and their commitment to sharing that passion. This dedication extends beyond mere customer service; it is a holistic approach to creating moments of pure joy. The smiles of children, the romantic gestures of couples, and the shared laughter of families are the true measures of their success. This focus on emotional impact sets them apart and has been a driving force behind their enduring appeal.
Beyond the Barn: Travel, Family, and a World of Horses
When the demanding schedule of running Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides allows for respite, Dianna and Dwight Borges embrace a love for travel and quality time with their family and horses. Their adventures have taken them across the globe, with Antarctica holding a special place in Dianna’s heart and Costa Rica being a favorite for Dwight. These journeys are not merely vacations but opportunities for enrichment and a broader understanding of the world.
A unique aspect of their travels is their continued exploration of sleigh rides in different locales, allowing them to connect with diverse cultures and people. "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. These experiences often reveal commonalities that transcend geographical and cultural divides, reinforcing a sense of global interconnectedness. Back at their ranch, they cherish time spent with their horses, often embarking on trail rides for their own enjoyment and as a way to provide their beloved animals with light exercise. This dedication to their horses, even in their leisure time, underscores the inseparable nature of their lives and their work. "We work hard, but also play hard," Dianna concludes, encapsulating their balanced approach to life.
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For those dreaming of launching their own ventures and making a positive impact on their communities, the Borges family offers a guiding principle rooted in their own experience: "Find what it is you love doing and make money doing it." This advice, passed down through generations, emphasizes the transformative power of passion in overcoming business challenges. Dianna acknowledges the inherent difficulties that every business faces, but stresses that 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 asserts. The ultimate reward, she suggests, is a life where work feels less like a chore and more like a fulfilling pursuit. "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 not only guides their business but also serves as an inspiring mantra for anyone seeking to build a career that aligns with their deepest passions.
Connect with Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides online:
[Website: sleighride.com]
[Social Media Links – Placeholder for actual links if available]
This customer success story was made possible through a gift card provided to the interviewee as a token of appreciation for sharing their valuable insights and unbiased feedback. The original publication date of this article was December 13, 2019, and it has been updated to reflect the company’s name change from Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides to Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides.
About the Author
