The term "horse play" derives from the horse's reputation as a prankster, famous for throwing races, running with rodeo clowns, and assembling in flash carousels. Caper with nature's favorite jokesters with today's Groupon: for $35, you get a one-hour horseback-riding lesson at Trinity Morgan Farm in Broadalbin (a $70 value).

Gallop across the 27-acre facility at Trinity Farm, which features both indoor and outdoor arenas for equine education and a heated spectator lounge for riders' families and friends. With students ranging in age from 4 to 84, Trinity Farm's instructors coach seasoned show riders, as well as novices looking to trade in wooden hobby horses for their four-legged counterparts. An instructor works with each rider to determine goals and skill level before developing a personalized program to achieve the desired results, such as earning enough ribbons to weave three-piece jodhpurs or sitting atop a horse for the first time. All necessary equipment, including a helmet, will be provided, but the staff recommends that students don long pants and avoid wearing carrot-scented perfume.