Horses are some of the most perceptive animals, as evidenced by the saying, "You can lead a horse to water but you can't explain his intimate knowledge of your childhood fears." Tap into equine insight with today's Groupon for pony parties at Northshore Riding Club in Slidell. Choose between two options:

• For $89, you get a pony birthday party with one pony for up to 12 kids (a $185 value).
• For $139, you get a pony birthday party with two ponies for up to 27 kids (a $285 value).

Just north of downtown New Orleans, the family-owned-and-operated Northshore Riding Club encompasses seven picturesque acres of land fully equipped for horse riding, boarding, and grazing. Pony parties turn high birthday hopes into rambunctious reality with interactive equine celebrations. A trained horse whisperer in no way resembling Robert Redford will accompany the pony (or ponies) as the birthday kid and pals groom, pet, and take hand-led rides. Cowhands-in-training can also poke through the stables while learning the ancient secrets of equestrianism. The party concludes with a present gifted to the guest of honor by Northshore's benevolent ponies. Call to reserve a date and time.