Horses are some of the most perceptive animals, as evidenced by the saying, "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't explain his intimate knowledge of your childhood fears." Tap into equine insight with today's Groupon to Oxford Farm in Swanton. Choose from the following options:
- For $25, you get one private horseback-riding lesson (a $50 value).
- For $75, you get three private horseback-riding lessons (a $150 value).
- For $125, you get five private horseback-riding lessons (a $250 value).
At Oxford Farm’s full-service equestrian facility, owner Leslie Webb Janiak saddles up alongside students of all abilities for 45- to 60-minute lessons in basic horse-care and riding techniques. Equipped with years of expertise and a stable of well-mannered steeds, Leslie frequently travels to A-circuit horse shows and has met with success in hunters, jumpers, and grand prix competitions. During private, one-on-one lessons, Leslie leads riders across the farm's expansive indoor arena and into its outdoor riding area. After tutorials in trotting and lassoing lethargic hay pitchers, students return to the stables to cool their horses, brush their feet, and guide them back to their stalls, allowing the horses time to polish off their hooves and floss the carrots from their teeth. Students should dress in long pants and hard-soled shoes.
Oxford Farm
A veteran of horse shows well versed in hunting, jumping, and grand-prix competitions, Leslie Webb Janiak knows her way around a stable. As the owner and trainer at Oxford Farm, Leslie imparts her lifelong knowledge to aspiring equestrians of all ages, helping to build relationships between man and steed so that they may one day sit together in the halls of Congress. With facilities including 30 stalls, an indoor arena, and 18 large paddocks, Oxford Farm offers comprehensive horse care for owners looking for a place to board or train their long-faced friends. Amateur or beginning riders can also take part by enlisting in private lessons. During each session, instructors divulge riding basics as well as basic horse care, such as how to handle the horse's halter and lead rope and pepper trail rides with Lone Ranger recaps.