Back in the 1970's I had an amusement vending machine reconditioning business, and ended up getting one of the horse rides like those that sit out in front of stores for the kids to ride, for a quarter (a quarter horse). It came in a group buy, where everything in the warehouse was bought for a price.
Not really wanting to get into this kind of vending machinery I decided to fix it up and give it to my 6 year old niece. I added a switch to the side of the coin box, so she could ride as long as she wanted to, without needing quarters. I should have added a run time meter on it, because that horse saw a lot of riding. In fact, when I saw her and the horse a week later, she had saddle sores on her legs. Over time she and my sister have fixed it up a bit more and repainted it better than I had (My niece and her friends had actually worn the paint off the saddle area by then).
Fast forward to 2 years ago and I asked about the horse, thinking that maybe my now adult niece wouldn't want it any longer and maybe my great grand daughter could use it. So I asked if I could have it back. I was quickly told "no way", as she has plans for it. So, as I'm not in that business any longer, I've been searching for another for my great grand daughter, but doubt that one of them will fall into my hands as easily as that one did.
On another experience -
A few years ago, as I was approaching the entrance to a store there was a donkey version of this ride out in front of the store and a nearly full grown teen was sitting on it with several of his friends watching. His legs extended out past the donkey's front legs, and he hadn't put a quarter in it to make it run, so as I passed on my way into the store I decided to give him a Free Ride, and I dropped a quarter into the coin chute. He said "Oh No", but he couldn't get off quickly, because his left leg was between the donkey and the post with the coin box on it. He bounced for quite a while before he managed to get off of it, while his friends roared with laughter. I'll bet that he never did that again. The fun of watching him bouncing was well worth the quarter.
Old real wooden carousel horses are quite valuable, and very rare. It's good to see you restoring one.
Charley
