Horses were once considered man’s best friend, but after the invention of the dog, the horse was rebranded as man’s eccentric, oat-obsessed uncle. Take a journey with the kindest of kinsmen with today's Groupon: for $17, you get a one-hour group riding lesson for one (a $35 value) at Chamounix Equestrian Center in Fairmount Park.

Chamounix Equestrian Center teaches pony proficiency to eager horsefarers in the balanced seat riding style. Students will hop astride English saddles on one of the center's trained thoroughbreds or quarter horses. In small groups of no more than six, budding giddyuppers spend the first half of the lesson learning safety and basic horsemanship. The second half-hour fosters rider and horse bonding by trotting about the arena and discussing their favorite late-period Romantic poets.

Classes have a rider weight limit of 215 pounds. Students should sport a pair of boots with heels and long pants, though the center provides helmets.