Carousel Horses

The Beginning of Carousel Horses

To most people, the oldest carousel they’ve seen is the “vintage” model from the 1950s at their local theme park. However, the first carousel was actually birthed during the Byzantine Empire. Designed in approximately 500 A.D., riders were held in baskets hung in the air from a sturdy pole. These first editions were built only for the extremely wealthy, and were considered to be a great privilege.

The earliest modern carousel concept we still see today, is derived from a combat exercise that was utilized by Arabian soldiers. A rotating disk with wooden horses was designed in 1680 so riders could practice spearing objects as the disk was pulled by a man or live horse. These quickly evolved into an entertainment version, featured at fairs during the nineteenth century, primarily in Europe. German craftsmen, namely Gustav Dentzel and his son, would spend the cold weather months making intricate wooden horses and purchasing organs for musical accompaniment, and would then sell their creations to these fairs and other gatherings in time for the warm weather festivities.

Like plenty of other things, carousel horses didn’t become a momentous success until they traveled to the United States where they became more colorful, fanciful and profit-worthy. Coney Island was the first to receive a carousel constructed by the famous Dentzels, and the rest is history. This simple amusement continues to be featured in theme parks all over the world, and some of the most vibrant and memorable of carousel horses are found right here in America.

Famous Carousel Horses

While all carousels continue to delight children and evoke wonderful memories in adults, there are a few carousel horse superstars that deserve to be noted. Below are where you can find the best and most unique in carousel horses in the United States.

Over The Jumps Carousel – Little Rock, Arkansas

After disappearing for 15 years, the Over the Jumps Carousel is back in action. Designed originally in the 1930s, the carousel horses are the only ones in the U.S. that “fly” rather than glide up and down. Only half a dozen in the world were manufactured, and it is the only one still in operating existence. Horses leap in waves, similar to a basic rollercoaster motion, providing the rider with an illusionary experience of a horse jumping over hurdles. You can enjoy it today at the Little Rock Zoo.

King Arthur Carousel – Anaheim, California

A restored Dentzel carousel from the late 19th century, King Arthur Carousel in Disneyland features brilliant white horses, each one individual in design. No two are alike, and the interior of the ride features scenes from the Disney classic “The Sword in the Stone.” Movie tunes play on an old time organ, and at night the carousel horses are illuminated with countless fairy lights in the very middle of Fantasyland.

Carousel Columbia – Santa Clara, California

Great America’s double-decker carousel has been officially recognized by Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest carousel. Gazing over a gorgeous reflection pool, this is truly one of the country’s most picturesque carousel creations.

Riverview Carousel – Atlanta, Georgia

This vintage carousel from 1908 is registered by various historic societies and features classic carousel horses that kids will love. It is featured at Six Flags Over Georgia

Kit Carson Carousel- Burlington, Colorado

These carousel horses are too old to go up and down (they were born in 1905), but this gives the carousel the proper aerodynamics to go faster than other versions. Take a speedy spin on this vintage beauty at the Kit Carson County Fairgrounds from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Wherever you visit, carousel horses are a great way to introduce your kids to theme parks, and can be a perfect way to relax after a day of thrill rides and corn dogs. Pay homage to the history of carousels by visiting one soon.