Remember That First Magical Carousel Ride? Carousel Horses Enchant and Delight Children and Adults Alike.

The Carousel brings back those magical moments of childhood when everything was as it should be. A carousel horse gift can rekindle those childhood feelings in an adult and keep them burning in the imagination of a child. There's just something enchanting about the carousel that draws people to it like a magnet.

The history of the carousel is actually very interesting and probably not quite what one would expect. The word "carousel" comes from the words "garosello" (Italian) and "carosella" (Spanish), both of which mean "little war." These words were used to describe the serious game which Italian and Spanish crusaders saw Arabian and Turkish horsemen playing in the twelfth century that involved using little clay balls filled with scented water. These balls were tossed back and forth between the riders. The losers were those who missed a catch and smelled of perfume for days afterward!

The crusaders brought this game back to Europe, where it spread to different countries, including France. The French called the game "carrousel" and ultimately transformed it into a grand event of pageantry and horsemanship. A highlight of the "carrousel" was the ring-spearing tournament in which riders used their lances to spear small rings suspended between two posts while moving at full gallop.

In 1680 someone had the idea of hanging legless wooden horses from arms attached to a center pole and powered by a horse, mule, or servant. Young princes could then use this device to train for the tournament. Thus, the carousel as we know it was born.

For more information on the history of the carousel, visit A History of the Carousel.

That first rough carousel is very different from the ones that inspire the magic today. Whether you're looking for a carousel rocking horse for a child, a musical carousel or figurine for the collector, or a full size carousel horse to add to the home decor of a serious collector, a carousel horse does indeed make an ispired horse lover gift. Bring a little wonder and magic into your horse lover's life by giving them a gift they can cherish for years to come.

If you're looking at rocking horses for your horse lover gift idea, rock on over to my Rocking Horse page for lots of great selections and styles. And keep an eye out for our Carousel Jewelry page coming next week.

TO SEE A MUCH LARGER SELECTION OF CAROUSEL PRODUCTS OR FOR INFORMATION ON PRICING AND ORDERING, SIMPLY CLICK ON ANY OF THE PICTURES OR LINKS BELOW.

This exquisite classic American-style menagerie carousel made to scale with 2 chariots and 8 decorated animals, including a lion and a tiger and several riders. Animals move up-and-down and around as the music plays. Lights shine down and are beautifully refleted by the mirrored central column. Classic-style rounding boards with traditional scenes. Includes 30 great songs - 15 Christmas Carols plus 15 all time classics for year-round use. A different song is played each time the item is turned on or the random access button is pushed. Approximately 10" in diameter and 11" tall.

Grande Carousel of Romance™ Revolving Music Box and 1895 Looff Revolving Music Box
This battery operated revolving music box carousel is a beautiful replica. It plays the "Carousel Waltz," lights up and the horses jump up and down to the delight of those watching it. It measures 13 inches tall x 12 inches diameter. The beautiful poly-resin carousel horse sculpture is Hand Painted with Revolving Music Box. Approximate Size: eight (8) inches wide and nine (9) inches tall. It revolves to the tune of feelings.

Carousel Horse Floor Lamp Kit Choose from Magic Prancer, Lil' Rose or Dancin' Beaut. This magical floor lamp comes with a 4 foot brass pole, is 23 inches high and 23 inches long and 8 inches wide. What an absolutely enchanting gift this would make!

American Classic™ Full-Size Carousel Horses: 1902 Muller and Jumper 16 Absolutely Gorgeous Muller Military Stander or American Classic Jumper! Own a Genuine American-Made American Classic™ Full-Size Fiberglass Carousel Horse. These horses are produced by the famous Fabricon Carousel Company specifically for their carousels. Comes complete with base, brass pole and finial.

THESE LAST ITEMS ARE THE CREAM OF THE CROP. THESE CAROUSEL HORSES ARE TRULY UNIQUE, COLLECTIBLE TREASURES THAT CAN BE PASSED DOWN FROM GENERATION TO GENERATION.

Big! Classic Carousel Rocker Rocking Horses These horses were manufactured by a company that used to build merry-go-rounds. Dimensions: 59" tall, 67" long, 20" wide and weighs 110 lbs. The horses are actual horses that were used on the commercial rides. That means they are very well made, incredibly sturdy and beautifully detailed and custom painted. 150 of these rocking horses were made by a carousel manufacturer using actual carousel horses, few remain. Once these are sold they will never be made again. That makes these truly collectible treasures!
These actual carousel horses are extremely durable since they were designed to last many generations on traveling carnivals. Even large adults can ride with no problem. All 150 of the horses were built, painted, signed and dated by local artist Virgil Harrison. Mr. Harrison passed away in June of 2001. No more horses will be made.
These authentic carousel horses are not the less expensive fiberglass horses, rather they are molded out of a specially formulated resin around a steel "skeleton." The rockers are either a beautiful solid oak wood or a unique tropical hardwood from the Yucatan Peninsula called Chi-Chi wood, depending on availability. They are both extremely gor--r-s and are laminated which allow even large adults to ride without damaging the rocker. It is virtually impossible to tip over.
Your children and grandchildren will cherish this unique carousel horse for decades to come. They also make a gracious and timeless addition to any home's interior, our rocking horse adds the perfect touch in a living room, family room or child's room. There is also a wide variety of applications for commercial decorating.

Thanks for stopping by. Don't forget to check back for our Carousel Jewelry page coming next week.

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