Riding a horse into the sunset is romantic until the hydrogen-rich photosphere vaporizes your wallet, along with any chance of paying for dinner. Avoid horseback backtracking and ride safely along the ground with today's deal: for $55, you get one two-hour horseback-riding lesson at Featherdown Farm plus a riding helmet—yours to keep—from Maryland Saddlery (a $130 total value). Groupon customers will pick up their helmet at Maryland Saddlery, located in Butler, prior to their lesson at Featherdown Farm, located in Sparks. This Groupon is valid for group lessons, which take place during the time slots listed here.

Quest for equestrian success at Featherdown Farm, where you'll learn healthy horseplay and care such as grooming, brushing, and hoof picking, in addition to the finer points of riding. Each two-hour lesson ($45 per hour) is led by one of Featherdown's expert instructors, who will provide riders with comprehensive breakdowns and horses with enough affection to turn any night mare into a daydreaming, rainbow-sneezing unicorn. Lessons are English style, not Western style, and are tailored to all experience levels.

Before your lesson, hang up your derby hat and strap on an Equi-Lite Fashion helmet ($40) from Maryland Saddlery. Available in a variety of colors, each helmet is equipped with snuggly protection and an adjustable dial to accommodate most ponytails. Riders are strongly discouraged from putting helmets on the horses, because it is both dangerously cute and incredibly hazardous.