Contrary to conventional wisdom, one can in fact look a gift horse in the mouth, now that the mouth no longer houses the retina-scorching nuclear reactor that powers the horse. Get an eyeful of equine incisors with today’s Groupon to Pine Haven Stables & Riding Academy in Brunswick. Choose between the following options:

• For $19, you get a one-hour horseback-riding lesson or summer barn day (a $40 value).
• For $25, you get one day at riding camp (a $50 value).

Harnessing more than 10 years of experience, the equine aficionados at Pine Haven Stables instruct their charges in the ancient art of horseback riding. The academy specializes in saddle-seat riding, and also offers instruction in driving, western, and dressage, which involves the proper coordination of stylish horse outfits. Over the course of the one-hour lesson, pupils will work with a teacher and the well-kept steeds to gallop, trot, and cartwheel across indoor or outdoor arenas. Alternately, enroll in a barn day, held Tuesdays and Thursdays through the summer from 9 a.m. to noon, wherein students receive a riding lesson and plenty of time to bond with the horses by mimicking barley stalks.

Day camps combine varied riding activities, such as trail and swim rides, with games and crafts. With one counselor for every three students, everyone receives the individual instruction needed to improve form and discover that the first horse was actually a bicycle covered in brown felt. The next camps are scheduled for Wednesday, July 20; Thursday, July 21; and Friday, July 22 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., with more dates to come.