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About
Carousel Horses:
The carousel originated in Europe, but reached
its greatest fame in America in the 1900's. The first carousels
featured gondolas, carts, menagerie animals, and horses. The
French developed many variations of the carousel. In one variation,
the riders tried to spear gold rings with lances while the
carousel rotated at full speed. This undoubtedly led to the
phrase, "catching the brass ring" on later carousels.
In the mid 16th century, grand tournaments were held in
France. Saddle makers, tailors, jewelers, and wig makers created
extravagant costumes for both horse and rider for these occasions.
Inspiration for later carousel carvers apparently originated
from these events.
During the late 1800's, many skilled European carvers immigrated
to the United States to produce carousels. The carvings of
these immigrants were a great improvement over the first efforts
of unskilled carvers. Usually the side of the carousel horse
facing the audience, the "Romance" side, was adorned with
carved decorations, while the inner side received little attention.
The golden age of carousels only lasted 25 years, but still
brings back wonderful childhood memories today.
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