For over half a century, the picturesque landscapes surrounding Lake Tahoe have been graced by the enchanting presence of horse-drawn sleighs and carriages, courtesy of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides. This Nevada-based family business, formerly known as Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides, has cultivated a rich history of providing memorable experiences, deeply embedding itself within the fabric of the local community and the tourism industry. At its core, the company embodies a commitment to not only delivering magical moments to its guests but also to the welfare and happiness of its equine partners, a principle that has guided its operations since its inception in 1967.
The genesis of this enduring enterprise can be traced back to a fortunate raffle win. Sam Borges, the patriarch of the family, was gifted a pony, which he affectionately named "Little Joe," inspired by a character from the popular television Western "Bonanza." This seemingly small prize sparked a grand vision. What began as simple pony rides for neighborhood children soon evolved into Sam acquiring his first horse and sleigh. An agreement with Brooks Park allowed him to offer sleigh rides across their cattle fields during the winter months, laying the foundation for a business that would become a beloved local institution. This humble beginning, rooted in a serendipitous event and a child-like wonder for horses, marked the start of a legacy that would span generations.
Over the decades, the reins of the business were passed down through the family. Dianna Borges, the current owner, now operates the company alongside her husband, Dwight, and their children. This multi-generational involvement underscores a shared passion and dedication to maintaining the unique charm and operational excellence that Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides has become known for. The family’s deep connection to the animals and the business is palpable, transforming what could be a demanding enterprise into a fulfilling lifestyle.
A Glimpse into the Enchanting Offerings
Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides offers a diverse array of services, catering to a wide range of occasions and seasons. During the festive holiday period, the company often takes on a role akin to "Santa’s personal Uber," providing transportation for crucial community events such as tree lightings, Christmas caroling, and Santa-led sleigh rides. These engagements not only bring joy to residents and visitors but also foster a strong sense of community spirit.
Beyond the holiday season, the company’s carriages are a popular choice for significant life events. Marriage proposals, weddings, birthdays, Quinceañeras, and Sweet Sixteen celebrations are frequently enhanced by the romantic and timeless appeal of a horse-drawn carriage ride. These events, often captured in photographs and cherished in memories, highlight the company’s ability to add a touch of magic and elegance to personal milestones.
The company provides year-round services, with distinct offerings tailored to the seasons. In the winter, guests can experience breathtaking sleigh rides along the north shore of Lake Tahoe, near the scenic Sand Harbor State Park. The crisp air, snow-dusted landscapes, and the gentle rhythm of the sleigh create an unforgettable journey. During the warmer months, the focus shifts to carriage rides that offer a more urban experience, winding through areas with vibrant 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 bringing these experiences to life.
A Lifestyle, Not Just a Job
For Dianna Borges and her family, operating Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides transcends the conventional definition of employment. "What we do is not a job… it’s a lifestyle," she states, emphasizing the all-encompassing nature of their work. The daily demands begin early, with feeding the horses at 6 a.m. and again at 6 p.m. This routine is supplemented by the ongoing care of pastures, fences, and the general well-being of the animals. Unexpected events, such as a horse straying from its stall in the middle of the night, require immediate attention, regardless of the hour. This commitment means the business operates on a 24/7 basis, blurring the lines between work and personal life.
Despite the demanding schedule and the inherent challenges of animal husbandry and business management, the Borges family views their lifestyle as a privilege. They acknowledge the long hours and hard work involved but find profound satisfaction in their beautiful surroundings, their beloved horses, and the happiness they bring to others. This perspective is crucial in understanding the dedication required to sustain such a unique and labor-intensive enterprise.
Navigating Perceptions and Championing Animal Welfare
One of the most significant challenges faced by Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, and indeed the broader horse-drawn transportation industry, is combating public misconceptions and negative perceptions. Dianna Borges articulates a common frustration: the assumption that businesses like hers exploit their animals solely for financial gain. She counters this by asserting that the opposite is true, emphasizing the deep affection and commitment the family holds for their horses. "We love our horses and want to see them treated right," she affirms.
Borges attributes some of these misunderstandings to media portrayals that, she believes, have unfairly tarnished the reputation of the industry. A core aspect of their advocacy is educating the public about the vital role that work and exercise play in maintaining a horse’s health and well-being. Far from being overworked, the horses at Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides are seen as active participants who genuinely enjoy their roles. Borges shares an anecdote about two horses in their 30s, too old for strenuous work but still exhibiting signs of distress when deprived of human interaction and a sense of purpose. This highlights a nuanced understanding of equine psychology and a commitment to their animals’ emotional as well as physical health.
The company adheres to rigorous regulations and prioritizes the best interests of its animals. Transparency with customers and the public is a cornerstone of their approach, aimed at dispelling myths and fostering a greater appreciation for the human-animal bond. Borges uses an analogy, comparing the unique appreciation for horses to that of someone who keeps spiders as pets, suggesting that judgment should be reserved for those who do not understand the passion involved. The genuine appreciation from their clientele, thousands of whom they have interacted with over the years, serves as validation of their dedication and the positive impact they have. The joy reflected in a child’s eyes upon seeing one of their horses is, for the Borges family, the ultimate reward.
The Role of Patriot Software in Streamlining Operations
In the complex ecosystem of running a small business, efficient management tools are indispensable. Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides has found a valuable partner in Patriot Software, a provider of accounting and payroll solutions designed for small business owners. Dianna Borges highlights the software’s user-friendliness, particularly for individuals who may not possess extensive accounting backgrounds. As a small business that requires its team to wear multiple hats, efficiency is paramount.
"Patriot has been very flexible for us," Borges notes. "It was very easy for us to learn, especially since we’re not accountants. We’re a small business that wears many hats, and we’ve found that it’s efficient." The ease of accessing support from Patriot has been a significant advantage, contrasting with experiences with larger companies. The cost-effectiveness and straightforward learning curve of the software have allowed Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides to streamline their financial management, freeing up valuable time and mental energy to focus on their core operations and customer experiences. Patriot Software has thus become an integral part of their strategy to reduce operational burdens and ensure business continuity.
A Legacy of Happiness and Lasting Memories
The proudest achievement for Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is encapsulated in their motto and mission: to make people happy. Their primary objective is to craft enduring memories for their guests, a feat they consider a profound blessing. The ability to offer something so unique and special, and to witness the impact it has on individuals, is a testament to the passion and dedication of their team. Borges emphasizes that touching the hearts of guests requires a special kind of person and a special team, qualities she believes her employees possess. This focus on emotional connection and shared joy forms the bedrock of their business philosophy.
Beyond the Stable: Travel and Global Connections
When not immersed in the daily operations of the business, Dianna and Dwight Borges lead an active life, which includes extensive travel. Their adventures have taken them to diverse corners of the globe, with Antarctica holding a special place in Dianna’s memories and Costa Rica being a favorite for Dwight. These travels are not merely vacations but opportunities to explore different cultures, meet new people, and, fittingly, experience sleigh rides in various international settings.
These global explorations have reinforced a profound realization for the couple: the fundamental similarities that connect people across different cultures and backgrounds. By engaging with diverse communities, they have observed that shared values and human experiences often outweigh apparent differences. This broadened perspective enriches their understanding of the world and, undoubtedly, informs their approach to hospitality and customer engagement. Their travels also involve spending quality time with their family and horses on their ranch, often incorporating trail rides as a way to provide exercise for their equine partners, embodying their philosophy of working hard and playing hard.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
For individuals dreaming of launching their own small businesses and making a positive impact on their communities, the Borges family offers a guiding principle. Drawing from the wisdom passed down through Dwight’s family and shared with their own children, Dianna advises: "Find what it is you love doing and make money doing it." While acknowledging that all businesses encounter challenges, they firmly believe that passion for one’s work is the ultimate resilience factor. When you genuinely love what you do, the arduous hours and obstacles become more manageable, fostering a sense of fulfillment rather than drudgery. The enduring success of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides stands as a powerful testament to this philosophy.
Connect with Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides online:
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This customer success story was made possible through a gift card provided as a token of appreciation for sharing their experiences and unbiased feedback. The original publication date of this article was December 13, 2019, and has been updated to reflect the company’s name change from Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides to Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides.
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