Like all domesticated animals, horses require human guidance to keep from brushing against barbed wire, eating poisonous rocks, and galloping triumphantly into the ocean. Take the reins with today's deal: for $20, you get a private 30-minute horseback-riding lesson at Equidream School of Horsemanship in Grayslake (a $45 value). Lessons are open to students as young as 6 years old.

Equidream School of Horsemanship welcomes seasoned riders and first-time centaur-toppers alike to experience horseback riding in the safety and comfort of their beauteous facility. Equipped for all seasonal shifts with both indoor and outdoor arenas, the school boasts a trusty lineup of stable-horses, each with their own specific skill-set. From the walking, trotting, and cantering Allura to the beginner-friendly, jumping Jimmy, all horses are well-maintained and trained to be as strong as oxen, except Mariachi Pony, who is actually a piñata. Because each lesson is private, students are sure to receive plenty of face-time with their friendly steed and stoic instructor.

Equidream operates under the steady reign-ready hands of owner and head instructor Netta Schleden, a certified expert with nearly 40 years of horse–human teaching experience. Netta has cared for and developed animals throughout the states, even training two steeds to “Horse of the Year” status during her early days at Northwestern Equestrian. To double-up training time with Netta and her staff, Groupon customers can purchase up to two Groupons for an hour-long lesson or two 30-minute individual sessions.