Flying Horse Carousel

The Flying Horse Carousel in Watch Hill, Rhode Island is the oldest continuously operated horse carousel in the United States. The horse 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 horse 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 or real horsehair and a genuine leather saddle. Children younger than 12 years old may ride. In the middle of the ride, a rod with metal rings is lowered for riders to grab as they pass. The last ring is brass, granting the winner a free ride token.