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 $15, you get one half-hour private horseback-riding lesson at Spruce Meadow Farm in Clarence (a $35 value).
Spruce Meadow Farm delights riders of all experience levels with its lush pastures, comprehensive lesson programs, and more than 20 friendly, frolicking steeds. One of several experienced instructors will help aspiring equestrians select a well-tempered lesson horse for the day's 30-minute grooming, saddling, and trotting session. Students learn to safely handle their trusty steeds, as well as absorb classical riding principles, techniques, and proper horse care.
Pony patrons should outfit their feet in shoes with a heel versus a slippery sneaker, dress comfortably, and rest assured their noggins will remain protected in a helmet provided by the farm.
Spruce Meadow Farm
Spruce Meadow Farm is owned and operated by Al and Karla Deacon, who lovingly tend to the 40 horses that reside inside a complex of three riding rings—including an indoor ring—and two barns. For the past 20 years, the couple has been assisting and administering year-round lessons for riders of all ages, guiding trainees toward stronger bonds with their equine counterparts. Their lessons detail proper mounting, grooming, and tacking techniques, and culminate with safe cool-down exercises rather than unsafe attempts at horseback surfing. Al and Karla also assist equine enthusiasts through walker-led pony rides and ferry services geared toward off-site rides. Gift certificates are also available, to give the gift of riding to friends and loved ones.
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