For over half a century, the Borges family has been synonymous with the enchantment of horse-drawn sleigh and carriage rides against the stunning backdrop of Lake Tahoe. What began as a humble raffle prize in 1967 has blossomed into a cherished Nevada institution, Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, a testament to family dedication, a deep love for animals, and a commitment to creating indelible memories for guests. This enduring legacy, now helmed by Dianna Borges and her husband Dwight, alongside their children, continues to offer a unique blend of nostalgic winter charm and year-round celebratory experiences, solidifying their place as a beloved small business in the heart of the Sierra Nevada.
The genesis of Borges Sleigh and Carriage Rides traces back to a serendipitous win. Sam Borges, the patriarch of the family, secured a pony in a raffle, a seemingly small prize that would spark a significant enterprise. This pony, affectionately named "Little Joe" after a character from the popular television Western Bonanza, became the seed from which the family’s passion for horse-drawn transportation grew. Initially, Sam delighted neighborhood children with pony rides, a simple joy that soon evolved into a more ambitious vision. Acquiring his first horse and sleigh, Sam and his wife, Rosie, forged an agreement with Brooks Park, offering rides across their cattle fields during the winter months. This early venture laid the groundwork for what would become a multi-generational business, deeply interwoven with the local landscape and community.
Over the decades, the reins of the business were passed down to Dianna and Dwight Borges. They have not only maintained the family tradition but have also expanded its offerings, ensuring its continued relevance and appeal. Their children are now actively involved, contributing to the daily operations and sharing the same profound passion that ignited the business over fifty years ago. This familial continuity is a cornerstone of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, imbuing each ride with a sense of authentic heritage and heartfelt hospitality.
A Glimpse into the Enchanting Offerings
Today, Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides operates as a vibrant, multifaceted business, its services adapting to the rhythms of the seasons and the celebratory needs of its clientele. During the peak holiday season, the company plays a pivotal role in bringing festive cheer to the community, often described as "Santa’s personal Uber." They are frequently engaged for special events such as tree lightings, Christmas caroling sessions, and, of course, Santa-led sleigh rides, transforming ordinary gatherings into magical experiences. Their participation in these local events underscores their commitment to fostering a strong sense of community spirit.
Beyond the festive holidays, the company’s carriage rides serve as a popular choice for a wide array of personal milestones. Marriage proposals, weddings, birthdays, and even cultural celebrations like Quinceañeras and Sweet Sixteens are elevated by the romantic and picturesque charm of a horse-drawn carriage. These occasions, marked by joy and significance, find a perfect complement in the timeless elegance of a carriage ride.
The company offers both one-hour and 30-minute tours, catering to varying schedules and preferences. During the winter months, the sleigh rides take place along the breathtaking north shore of Lake Tahoe, near Sand Harbor State Park. This location, renowned for its stunning natural beauty, provides a particularly evocative setting for a classic winter sleigh ride. As the seasons shift to summer, the focus transitions to carriage rides offering a more urban-type tour, meandering through areas adjacent to local shops and restaurants, or providing scenic excursions down to the lake. The operation currently boasts a fleet of approximately 15 horses, each an integral part of the business’s success and charm.
The "Lifestyle" of Horse-Drawn Service: Beyond the 9-to-5
For Dianna and Dwight, operating Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is far more than a conventional job; it’s a deeply ingrained lifestyle. They emphasize that the demands of their business extend far beyond typical working hours. "What we do is not a job… it’s a lifestyle," Dianna explains. The daily commitment begins at 6 a.m. with feeding the horses, followed by another feeding at 6 p.m. This core responsibility is complemented by the ongoing care of pastures, fences, and the general well-being of their equine team. Emergencies, such as horses straying from their stalls in the middle of the night, necessitate immediate attention, regardless of the hour. This round-the-clock dedication makes quantifying specific weekly hours a near impossibility.
Despite the demanding schedule, the Borges family views their profession as a privilege. "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. Their ability to integrate their passion for horses with their livelihood, while residing in a picturesque environment, highlights the unique rewards of their chosen path. The business operates year-round, with adjusted hours during the winter, but the underlying commitment to animal care and customer satisfaction remains constant.
Navigating Perceptions: Championing Animal Welfare
One of the most significant challenges faced by Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, and indeed many businesses that utilize animals, is confronting public misconceptions about animal welfare. Dianna expresses frustration with the assumption that their primary motivation is financial gain, often at the expense of their horses’ well-being. "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. We love our horses and want to see them treated right," she states. She attributes some of this negative perception to media portrayals that can unfairly tarnish the reputation of the entire industry.
A key aspect of their advocacy involves educating the public on the inherent benefits of work for horses. Dianna explains that horses, by their nature, require physical activity and mental engagement to remain healthy and content. "One of the biggest challenges we face is helping people understand that horses need this work and exercise to stay healthy. And honestly, our horses love their jobs!" she asserts. She shares poignant examples of older horses, even in their thirties, who exhibit signs of depression when deprived of human interaction and their roles within the team. The business adheres to stringent regulations and prioritizes the best interests of their animals, ensuring their comfort and health are paramount.
The family strives for transparency, actively engaging with customers and the public to foster a deeper understanding of equine behavior and needs. They recognize that limited personal experience with horses can lead to misunderstandings, likening it to judging a book by its cover without reading its contents. The unwavering support of their loyal customer base, who witness their dedication firsthand, is what sustains them. The joy evident in children’s eyes upon encountering their horses serves as a powerful affirmation of their mission.
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 highlights the software’s user-friendliness and flexibility, particularly for those without extensive accounting backgrounds. "Patriot has been very flexible for us. It was very easy for us to learn, especially since we’re not accountants," she notes. As a small business that requires its owners to wear multiple hats, the efficiency offered by Patriot Software has been a significant advantage.
The ease of accessing customer support is another critical factor for the Borges family. They contrast their positive experience with Patriot Software to previous dealings with larger companies, which often involved more bureaucratic hurdles. "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," Dianna states. The cost-effectiveness and intuitive nature of the software have simplified their financial management, allowing them to focus more intently on their core business operations. Patriot Software has effectively provided them with "one less thing to worry about when it comes to running our business."
Pride in Making People Happy and Creating Lasting Memories
The overarching pride of Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides stems from their core motto and mission: to bring happiness to people and create memories that endure a lifetime. Dianna articulates this sentiment with profound 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 view their ability to offer such a unique and special service as a significant blessing. The team at Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides is dedicated to touching the hearts of their guests, a feat they believe requires a special kind of person and a deep affection for their animals. This shared love for their horses and their commitment to sharing that joy with guests and team members forms the emotional bedrock of their business.
Beyond the Sleigh and Carriage: A Life of Exploration and Connection
When not immersed in the demands of their business, Dianna and Dwight Borges embrace a spirit of adventure and exploration. They are avid travelers, both domestically and internationally, seeking new experiences and perspectives. Dianna’s personal highlight is Antarctica, while Dwight favors Costa Rica. Their travels often involve seeking out sleigh rides around the globe, a way to connect with their passion in different cultural contexts. These journeys provide opportunities to meet new people, learn about diverse cultures, and discover the underlying similarities that connect humanity.
Their downtime is also dedicated to their family and their beloved horses at their ranch. Trail rides on their own horses offer a chance for both relaxation and continued exercise for the animals, embodying their philosophy of working hard and playing hard. This balanced approach to life, integrating professional dedication with personal fulfillment and a love for exploration, enriches their lives and, by extension, their ability to bring joy to others through their business.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs: Follow Your Passion
For individuals aspiring to make a meaningful impact with their own small businesses, the Borges family offers a timeless piece of 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 they firmly believe that a genuine passion for one’s work serves as the most potent fuel for overcoming obstacles. Dianna encapsulates this philosophy with the well-known adage: "If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life." This sentiment underscores the transformative power of aligning one’s professional pursuits with their deepest interests and values.
Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides, with its rich history, dedication to animal welfare, and unwavering commitment to customer happiness, stands as a shining example of a small business that has not only endured but thrived by embracing its unique heritage and living its passion. Their legacy continues to weave magic into the landscape of Lake Tahoe, one sleigh ride and carriage tour at a time.
Connect with Tahoe Sleigh & Carriage Rides online: [Website/Social Media Links would be inserted here if available]
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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