Like all domesticated animals, horses require human guidance to keep from brushing against barbed wire, eating poisonous rocks, and galloping triumphantly into the ocean. Take the reins with today's deal: for $35, you get a one-hour private (a $65 value) or group (a $50 value) riding lesson at Hidden Hollow Farm and Stables, about 40 minutes south of Boston in Pembroke, just north of Cape Cod. Group lessons are available for groups as large as four, which means customers can purchase multiple Groupons, then schedule one group lesson for their party.

A beauteous riding facility, Hidden Hollow Farm provides saddle-straddlers of all skill levels with well-maintained mares, certified and licensed instructors, and the comforts of fenced-in and free-flowing practice areas. During each one-hour riding lesson, students spend about 40 minutes ambling about the large 100-by-200-foot sand arena atop a horse or pony—learning a range of equestrian essentials along the way, such as mounting, steering, stopping, and equine breakdancing. After the sandy soiree, riders and their steeds head toward the trails for about 20 minutes to test out their skills on pleasantly challenging terrain as they deepen a bond of trust with their respective hoofbeater.

Hidden Hollow Farm's owner Denise Moraski, a veteran trainer-teacher with more than 18 years’ experience, conducts lessons in tandem with esteemed equine experts such as Amy Gurney, a 30-year whisperer whose students have won many state and regional championship titles. As a mother of two, Denise knows how to work with kids, which is why she and her team extend their safe, hands-on lessons to riders as young as seven years old. All equipment is provided.