Going around in circles

As a grown-up who has never outgrown merry-go-rounds, I'm happy to note that they were originally intended as adult entertainment. The amusement park ride is based on cavalry war games and jousting practice. I do have to admit that by the third ride, the music palls.

Other carousel fun facts:

1. In Europe the horses run clockwise; in the U.S. they run counter.
2. There are six carousels in Binghamton, NY, that you can ride for free.
3. The Dentzel family has been making merry-go-rounds since 1745, most recently a solar-powered one in 2005.
4. Carousels are also called gallopers and flying horses.
5. The oldest operating platform carousel in the U.S. is in Martha's Vineyard.

I love the frog, ostrich and dragon. The traditional horse is always good. But how cool is the shark!? Tigers, lions, giraffes, rabbits, camels, and even badgers have provided seating on merry-go-rounds in the past.

Do you have a favorite creature. Do you talk to your mount? (And I mean that in reference to the carousel.)