Horses and humans have worked together for centuries, transporting goods, fording rivers, and sharing the blame for the fall of Troy. Bond with the noblest of creatures with today's Groupon to Fieldgate Stables Ltd. in Hornby. Choose from the following options:

• For $15, you get a one-hour group riding lesson (a $33 value).
• For $25, you get a one-hour private riding lesson (a $55 value).
• For $65, you get three one-hour private riding lessons (a $165 value).

The experienced instructors at Fieldgate Stables Ltd. guide steed riders of all ages and abilities through informative and engaging riding lessons. A fleet of quiet, well-schooled horses and ponies facilitates the hoofing sessions, and equines get assigned to students based upon careful consideration of their temperaments, skill levels, and the compatibility of their star signs. After tacking their oat-powered vehicles and warming them up, pupils take to the arena for a one-hour group or private lesson. All group lessons are capped at three riders to ensure personalized attention and to create a relaxed, intimate learning environment. During the session, sage equestrians help groups of pony pilots work toward their individual goals, from building up the skills to embark upon trail rides to preparing for horse shows.

Alternatively, pupils can opt for private lessons that offer step-by-step instruction for beginners and focused training for seasoned riders. Students saddle up for one-on-one coaching, enabling them to move at their own pace and focus on a specific riding discipline including dressage, hunter, or jumper. One private lesson serves as an informative introduction or a detailed refresher course, and a trio of private tutoring sessions enables riders to fully develop the centaur-like bond between a horse and its human. After both the group and private lessons, participants learn to untack and cool out their mane-equipped vehicles to prevent horses from sweating through the tuxedoes they change into post-workout.