Patriot Software, a provider of accounting and payroll solutions designed to empower small business owners, recently highlighted the enduring legacy and operational commitment of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, a Nevada-based company that has been enchanting visitors for over five decades. This feature, part of Patriot Software’s #PatriotSpotlight series celebrating American entrepreneurs, delves into the rich history, unique offerings, and profound dedication of owner Dianna Borges and her family.
The story of Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides, now known as Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, began not with a grand business plan, but with a simple raffle prize in 1967. Sam Borges, the patriarch of the family, won a pony, an event that sparked a unique entrepreneurial journey. This pony, affectionately named "Little Joe" after a character from the popular television series Bonanza, became the unlikely catalyst for a business that would weave itself into the fabric of the Lake Tahoe community. Initially, Sam offered pony rides to neighborhood children, a humble beginning that soon evolved. Within a short period, Sam acquired his first horse and sleigh, leading to an agreement with Brooks Park to offer sleigh rides across their cattle fields during the winter months. This early venture laid the groundwork for a multi-generational enterprise, demonstrating an early understanding of leveraging local resources and seasonal opportunities.
Over the ensuing decades, the reins of the family business were passed down from Sam and his wife, Rosie, to Dianna and her husband, Dwight. Today, their children actively participate, continuing the tradition and sharing the same passion that ignited the business generations ago. This seamless transition of ownership and operational expertise underscores a deeply ingrained family commitment, a rarity in today’s fast-paced business environment. The company’s longevity, spanning more than fifty years, is a testament to its adaptability, strong customer relationships, and unwavering dedication to its core mission.
Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides operates as a unique purveyor of magical experiences, particularly during the holiday season, where they are often described as "Santa’s personal Uber." Their services are integral to local festive events, including tree lightings and Santa-led sleigh rides, embedding them deeply within the community’s celebrations. This holiday season, the company has already been a prominent feature at numerous tree lighting ceremonies, Christmas caroling events, and other city-sponsored festivities, bringing a touch of old-world charm to contemporary celebrations.
Beyond the festive winter months, the company offers bespoke carriage rides for a variety of special occasions. These include celebrations of love such as marriage proposals and weddings, as well as significant life milestones like Quinceañeras and Sweet Sixteens. These events often require careful logistical planning and a high degree of customer service, reflecting the company’s ability to cater to diverse and emotionally charged moments.
The company provides year-round services, offering both one-hour and 30-minute tours. During the winter, the breathtaking scenery of Sand Harbor State Park on the north shore of Lake Tahoe serves as a picturesque backdrop for their sleigh rides. In the warmer months, the focus shifts to more urban routes, featuring carriage rides near local shops and restaurants, as well as excursions down to the lakefront. Currently, the operation utilizes a fleet of approximately 15 horses, each carefully managed and integrated into the daily operations. The sheer number of horses indicates a significant operational scale, requiring robust management of animal care, training, and scheduling.
For Dianna Borges, running Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is not merely a profession but a profound "lifestyle." The demands of managing a business centered around live animals are extensive and extend far beyond conventional working hours. "It’s not as simple as turning a key and switching on some lights," Borges explains, highlighting the continuous nature of their responsibilities. The day begins at 6 a.m. with feeding the horses, followed by another feeding at 6 p.m. This routine is augmented by the ongoing care of pastures, fences, and other essential operational tasks. The unpredictable nature of animal husbandry means that emergencies can arise at any hour, such as the need to round up escaped horses in the middle of the night. Consequently, quantifying a standard workweek is nearly impossible, as the business operates on a 24/7 basis, albeit with varying intensity.
Despite the demanding schedule, Borges views their work as a "privileged lifestyle." The rewards, she emphasizes, stem from working amidst a beautiful natural setting with beloved animals and engaging in work that brings joy to both their clients and their team. This perspective underscores a deep appreciation for the unique benefits of their chosen profession, even with its inherent challenges.
One of the most significant hurdles faced by Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, and indeed the broader animal-powered tourism industry, is public perception. Borges articulates that a prevalent misconception is that businesses like hers prioritize profit over animal welfare. This assumption, she contends, is fundamentally inaccurate. "We love our horses and want to see them treated right," Borges asserts, directly addressing the negative stereotypes that she believes are often fueled by media portrayals.
The company actively works to educate the public about the vital role that work and exercise play in maintaining a horse’s health and well-being. Borges notes that their horses genuinely enjoy their roles. She points to two horses in their thirties who, while no longer able to work extensively due to age, exhibit signs of depression when deprived of human interaction. This observation suggests a strong bond between the animals and their handlers, and a mutual benefit derived from their working relationship. The business adheres to numerous regulations designed to ensure animal welfare, always prioritizing the best interests of their equine partners.
The challenge of combating negative stereotypes is compounded by a general lack of public familiarity with horses. "Not enough people are around horses to understand them," Borges observes, drawing a parallel to individuals who keep spiders as pets. She advocates for understanding and avoiding judgment based on limited exposure. The unwavering support of thousands of customers, who witness firsthand the family’s passion for their animals, is what sustains the business. The moment a child’s eyes light up upon seeing one of their horses, Borges states, makes all the effort worthwhile. This sentiment highlights the emotional return on investment that transcends financial considerations.
In managing their operations, Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides has found a valuable ally in Patriot Software. Borges describes the software as "very flexible" and "efficient," particularly for a small business that requires its team to "wear many hats." As individuals who are not professional accountants, the ease of learning and use of Patriot Software has been a significant benefit. "Getting hold of people at Patriot for help has been relatively easy," Borges notes, contrasting their experience with larger, more impersonal companies. The cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness of the software have provided a crucial advantage, allowing them to streamline financial management and dedicate more attention to their core business operations. This reliance on efficient, accessible software solutions is critical for small businesses aiming to compete and thrive.
The most profound source of pride for Dianna Borges and her family is their motto and overarching mission: "to make people happy." Their primary objective is to create lasting memories for their guests, a goal they view as a "huge blessing." They believe that offering such a unique and special service requires a particular kind of individual and team. The ability to "touch our guests’ hearts" is a testament to the dedication of their team, who share their love for the animals and their commitment to creating memorable experiences. This focus on emotional impact and guest satisfaction distinguishes them in the tourism sector.
When not immersed in the demanding schedule of running Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, Dianna and Dwight Borges enjoy traveling. 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 travels often involve experiencing local sleigh rides, allowing them to engage with different cultures and meet new people. These journeys reinforce their belief in the commonalities that unite humanity, emphasizing shared experiences over differences. They also cherish spending time with their family and horses on their ranch, often taking their own horses out for trail rides, a practice that serves as both recreation and a form of exercise for the animals. This philosophy of "working hard, but also playing hard" reflects a balanced approach to life and business.
For aspiring entrepreneurs looking to make a positive impact on their communities, the Borges family offers a foundational piece of advice passed down through generations: "Find what it is you love doing and make money doing it." They acknowledge that all businesses face challenges, but a genuine passion for one’s work provides the resilience needed to overcome them. Their guiding principle is that if you truly love what you do, "you’ll never work a day in your life." This philosophy underscores the importance of aligning personal fulfillment with professional pursuits, a perspective that has clearly guided their own enduring success.
The story of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is a compelling narrative of a family business built on passion, perseverance, and a deep connection to both animals and community. Their commitment to creating magical experiences, their dedication to animal welfare, and their ability to adapt and thrive for over half a century serve as an inspiring example of entrepreneurial spirit. Through their enduring legacy, they continue to bring joy and create cherished memories for generations of visitors to the Lake Tahoe region.
Connect with Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides online:
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This customer received a gift card as a thank you for sharing their story and unbiased feedback.
This article has been updated from its original publication date of December 13, 2019, to include the company’s name change.
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