The Flying Horse Carousel

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For the carousel in Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard, see Flying Horses Carousel.

The Flying Horse Carousel in Watch Hill, RI is the oldest continuously operated carousel in the United States. The carousel is believed to have been built 1876 by the Charles W. Dare Company of New York. The ride was part of a travelling carnival until 1879 when the carnival was forced to abandon the carousel in Watch Hill. Unlike most carousels, there is no wooden platform to support the horses but rather, they are suspended from chains. As a result, the horses seem to "fly" as the ride increases speed, hence the carousel's name. Each horse has a tail and mane of real horsehair and a genuine leather saddle. Children younger than 12 years old may ride. In the middle of the ride, a device holding metal rings is lowered for riders to grab as they pass. The last ring is brass, granting the "winner" a free ride token.