| An antique carousel horse can either be a child's toy | | | | legendary unicorns, carnival horses and armored |
| or it can serve as a decorative piece in any room of | | | | war-horses. |
| the house. It looks unique and beautiful, and has a long | | | | The amusement rides were then joined by other |
| history. Modern usage of these horses started in the | | | | animals such as farm animals, cats, dogs, ocean |
| 1800s. Carousel horses consists of a horse, pole and | | | | creatures, dragons, bears and wild animals. When the |
| other parts which are delicately crafted by | | | | economy improved alongside the advent of |
| professional wood carvers, metalworkers and painters. | | | | technology, these carousel features started being |
| Children either use them as rocking horses, and they | | | | made on assembly lines. These were made from |
| can also be used in amusement rides such as the | | | | aluminum or plastics such as fiberglass. These became |
| merry-go-round, or as decorations either outside or | | | | increasingly popular, with production of more than 4000 |
| inside the house. | | | | carousel horses. These are now collectors' items. |
| The Spanish Crusaders saw the Turks engaged in an | | | | In order to identify antique carousel horses, you will |
| equestrian game back in the Eleventh century. They | | | | have to look for ones that are hollow; and the head, |
| called this game the carosella which meant 'little war'. | | | | legs, neck and tail are carved individually. The different |
| The Spanish crusaders used to visit Europe and tell | | | | parts are attached together permanently and the ears |
| stories about the game they played which gradually | | | | and tail can never be separated. Carvings of a higher |
| became a display of horsemanship. This was called | | | | quality should be smooth and well finished and there |
| the carousel by the French. Every noble family of the | | | | should be no chisel marks or rough areas on the |
| French wanted their children to do well in this sport so | | | | horse's body. In order to own a piece of history, make |
| they carved wooden horses where the players could | | | | sure you properly research and then purchase the |
| practice the game. As time passed, more advanced | | | | right one for your home. Doing this will help you |
| carousels were made and they started taking the | | | | achieve the best out of your shopping experience for |
| shape of beautiful carved figures. They were available | | | | these beautiful horses. |
| in many styles and looked like painted Indian ponies, | | | | |