Sleigh & Carriage Rides Closed March 1-5, 2019 All Locations
It is not always apparent as to why Weather Conditions such as High winds, Snow Consistency and Road Controls prevent us from operating our Sleigh Rides.
We thought to take this opportunity to explain.
We have been operating as a Family Run business for over 50 years and if there is one thing we have come to realize… We are so very much ruled by the whims of Mother Nature.
First, we want people to enjoy their sleigh/carriage ride experience, not survive it… This is not a Donner Party Experience! Also, we have the health and welfare of our employees as well as our horses to consider. Safety for our Staff, Horses & Guest is always a Top Priority!!
Horses do not like wind…. let me stress… They DO NOT LIKE WIND! Things fly around in the wind, and move differently in the wind and make horrible noises in the wind. Our horses are very well trained, but this type of consistent exposure to stress is not good for them.
Snow Conditions for our sleigh rides must be very specific with at least 1 foot of hard cold pack snow.
This is for 2 reasons.
1- Lake Tahoe is environmentally protected. “Keep Tahoe Blue.” So, Mother Earth, the ground, especially the ground surround the lake much always be covered to prevent damage from the runners of the sleighs.
2- Each of our Belgian Draft Horses are over 2,000 pounds. We use these horses because they are strong enough to pull a sleigh with people easily through the snow. There is apx. 28,000 pounds of pressure per square inch in their hooves. This being understood, if the snow is not solid enough to hold their weight they will fall through and can be injured. If we can help it, we will not risk injury to our precious animals. Safety First!!
Which leads me to the roads. Driving in snowy conditions can be stressful and dangerous. Each of our drivers are very experienced in driving in the Sierra Mountains of Lake Tahoe. However, even with 4x4 & chains, certain weather & road conditions still prevent trucks with trailers (transporting live animals) from traveling over the mountain passes. And if you ask me… It’s a good thing! Safety First!!
We believe we have an exceptional activity. Unique, Nostalgic & so much Fun… Magical, I’ll dare say. But it is difficult at times to always be waiting of perfect conditions. 2019 has been an very stormy winter. Our hopes are that you Sleigh & Carriage Ride Enthusiasts will be patient with us as we do our best to provide this service.
Thank you.
Be Safe, Stay Warm & Enjoy what Life Brings,
Dwight & Dianna Borges
Thank you for Loving us!
Black Beauty, Dwight Borges and granddaughter, Madeline.
