The term “horsepower” comes from the chant that horses used to shout at engineers working on the newfangled railway system. Befriend trailblazing polo ponies with today's Groupon: for $90, you get four private beginner's polo lessons at Hillside Farm in Richfield (a $200 value).
Hillside Farm's staff of equestrian sages prepares cavaliers for the polo gridiron on 22 acres of rippling pastures. Riders begin by gleaning a working knowledge of game rules and mastering terminology such as "chukker" and "horse." Poloists also learn to attack the goal with an arsenal of shot styles and to navigate the terrain using riding forms specially suited to the game. Field mavens also address the big picture, showcasing game strategies and tactics necessary for trumping opponents or mallet-wielding centaurs. A stable of 21 lesson horses awaits players, allowing each rider to climb aboard a steed befitting his or her skill level. Sessions last between an hour to an hour-and-a-half, and the farm provides necessary equipment. Beginner polo lessons take place on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Groupon Says
Groupon Guide to: The President's Fitness Challenge
Once a year, the president goes to every grade school in the country and challenges students to hang on to their self-esteem—as well as to complete a series of exercises he made up. Here are the athletic trials that make up the President's Challenge:
Curl-ups The Challenge: In 60 seconds, see how many times you can touch your shoulder blades to your heels while lying on your stomach. This also measures your current level of gravity.
Shuttle Run The Challenge: Two traffic cones, which should be taken from a nearby construction site, are placed roughly 10 yards apart from one another. Starting at the first cone, run to the second and see how hard you can throw that cone in the general direction of the first cone without hitting it.
Sit and Reach The Challenge: As the name implies, this challenge tests your ability to sit still and re main silent for as long as possible without complaining about your body ach ing because your muscle tissue is wasting away.
Mile Run The Challenge: On a slip of paper, write down how many miles you think you can run.
Chin-ups The Challenge: As you hold onto a steel horizontal bar, the president asks you questions about whether or not you can overcome hardships like failing a math exam or getting only the smallest storage capacity iPod for a birthday gift. To answer "yes," raise your chin high enough to place it atop the bar, release your hands, and hang there for 30 seconds.
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