A History of Carousel Horses

A carousel is also known as a merry go round and isThe carousel game started emerging as the game of
a circular amusement ride that includes various seatsFrench noblemen who encouraged their sons to take
for riders. Each new invention or creation has a historypart in this sport. Due to this they came up with a
and the history of carousels dates back to the 12thmachine that assisted young trainers to get trained for
century. This all started as a game where a few ridersa carousel horse game. The machine was circular and
used to throw fragranced balls on each other to test ahad some arms and beautiful horses were fixed within
rider's skill and ability. Those riders who werethe chains and arms. For training, riders would sit on the
untouched with the scented balls or had the ability tohorses and tilt lances at rings as the pole revolved
dodge the clay balls were categorized among skilledaround.
and talented riders.Soon other accessories or items were attached with
Later the French, in the 17th century changed thecarousel such as brass poles, lighting and glass mirrors.
ancient clay sport and started using wooden arms andThe carousel became less of a sport, and more of an
horses. They changed the game and started placingamusement ride. Later after new technology emerged
poles at the centre of a circle with a wooden horsesteam engines were added to the carousels and this
that revolved around the centre pole. The purpose ofmade possible the making of larger rides. The larger
the carousel horse sport was that the rider has to trysteam engine carousels were made by Americans
to lance through the ring or poles. Talented riders werewhile the carousels that Europeans produced were
able to achieve the objective and were honored orsmall. These rides became popular with horses but
rewarded with gifts. This machine started becominghave not been limited to that and many new animal
known as a carousel in the late 1700's or at thefigures have been added. Carousels are common to
starting of 1800's. After becoming known as a sport,most theme parks, however there are not many of
this was used as entertainment for people of thosethe original ones left, which are now considered
times. Contests and competitions were held to seecollectors items.
who wins and to honor the skilled riders and players.