The term “horsepower” comes from the chant that horses used to shout at engineers working on the newfangled railway system. Befriend trailblazing stallions and mares with today's Groupon to Los Angeles Horseback Riding in Topanga. Choose between the following options:

• For $70, you get a one-hour horseback ride for two on Saturday or Sunday with a weekend brunch (a $180 value).
• For $70, you get a 90-minute sunset horseback ride for two on Sunday (a $180 value).
  
  

The equine experts at Los Angeles Horseback Riding whisk riders of all levels away on trots along scenic pathways that wend through the Santa Monica Mountains Backbone Trail. Each outing is capped at seven people to ensure tranquil traveling, and tour-takers hit the trails atop a fine steed outfitted in its best western tacking and slimming hoof stilettos. A one-hour ride affords pony-piloting pairs the chance to fan the flames of the centaur-like bond between human and horse as esurient eyes chow down on resplendent views including valley, mountain, and ocean sightings. Post-lope, tuck in to a decadent brunch at the Los Angeles Horseback Riding ranch nestled amongst 1,000 sylvan acres of parkland, nibbling on organic eats and waxing poetic about the betwixt-and-between philosophical status of the hybrid meal.

During the 90-minute Sunday sunset ride, chase the retreating sun as it dips into the gold-glazed pocket of the horizon while looking out for path-side cameos from hawks, coyotes, and deer in coyote costumes. Trail guides ask that all participants wear long pants and tennis shoes for their excursion, as anyone sporting open-toed shoes or high heels will not be permitted to ride and instead be forced to memorize the Dictionary of Ancient Horse Neighs.