When you went to the fair the last time did you ride a horse on the merry go round?
A merry-go-round (also called a carousel, galloper, or flying horses) is a classic amusement ride featuring a rotating circular platform with seats—traditionally rows of carved wooden or fiberglass horses that move up and down to mimic a galloping motion.
History and Origins
• Military Training Roots: The concept traces back to cavalry training games from the 1100s and 1600s in Europe, where knights practiced spearing rings while riding in circles (known in French as a carrousel, meaning "little battle").
• Mechanical Evolution: Early versions were powered by humans, blind mules, or horses walking in a circle underground.
• Steam and Electric Power: In 1861, Thomas Bradshaw introduced the first steam-powered roundabout in England, which eventually transitioned to electric motors, lights, and organs.
• Galloping Motion: In 1880, English engineer Frederick Savage added gears and offset cranks to create the signature up-and-down "galloper" motion.
Key Differences: Carousel vs. Merry-Go-Round
• Carousels: Traditionally feature rows of horses (and sometimes other animals) and often rotate counter-clockwise in North America or clockwise in the UK (where they are frequently called gallopers).
• Playground Merry-Go-Rounds: Small, non-motorized, ground-level metal spinning platforms pushed by hand for children to ride on are strictly called merry-go-rounds, never carousels.
History and Origins
• Military Training Roots: The concept traces back to cavalry training games from the 1100s and 1600s in Europe, where knights practiced spearing rings while riding in circles (known in French as a carrousel, meaning "little battle").
• Mechanical Evolution: Early versions were powered by humans, blind mules, or horses walking in a circle underground.
• Steam and Electric Power: In 1861, Thomas Bradshaw introduced the first steam-powered roundabout in England, which eventually transitioned to electric motors, lights, and organs.
• Galloping Motion: In 1880, English engineer Frederick Savage added gears and offset cranks to create the signature up-and-down "galloper" motion.
Key Differences: Carousel vs. Merry-Go-Round
• Carousels: Traditionally feature rows of horses (and sometimes other animals) and often rotate counter-clockwise in North America or clockwise in the UK (where they are frequently called gallopers).
• Playground Merry-Go-Rounds: Small, non-motorized, ground-level metal spinning platforms pushed by hand for children to ride on are strictly called merry-go-rounds, never carousels.
31-35, F
