Horse riding is sometimes called "the sport of kings," a throwback to the days when the cultural elite would amuse themselves by watching horses race through obstacle courses atop the backs of local monarchs. Though the rules of the sport have changed slightly, its palpable excitement remains, and today's Groupon palpates it for a glorious 3,600 seconds: for $40, you get a one-hour private or group English-style riding lesson (up to a $90 value) at Verrill Stables, about 48 miles north of Boston in Danville, New Hampshire. Please note that you must call ahead to schedule your lesson; lessons take place Tuesday through Friday afternoons, with some very limited availability on weekend afternoons.

Your hour opens with some time to get to know the horses, and then, after saddling up, additional time is taken for your instructor to get to know your riding ability. Verrill Stables works hard to match each of its guest riders with a steed that suits their style, so no matter what your skill or prior horse-sailing experience, you'll find just the right American Saddlebred to wrap your legs around. Members of the Verrill family have decades of horseperience between them. Lead trainer Jess spent her college summers horsing around in the prime horse orchards of Kentucky and in 2005 brought home the gold for the U.S. from the equestrian equivalent of the World Cup.

Verrill Stables’ state-of-every-conceivable-art equine training facility features an 80'x200' indoor arena (fully heated in the winter months), a heated and air-conditioned lounge with free WiFi, and for those cold months of July, a massive indoor fireplace. Since the Verrills only recently opened their doors two years ago, every surface sparkles and every inch still has that new horse smell. Whether you want to try riding horses for the first time, need to get in jousting shape before Prince Henry arrives, or just like braiding horse manes, today's Groupon to Verrill Stables will make for a valuable experience.