Carousel horses have basically three stances: they can have all four legs on the ground and are called “standing figures”, they can have two back legs on the ground and two in the air (those are called “prancers”), and they can have all legs in the air which then are called “jumpers”. “Jumpers” also move up and down.

In the world of antique amusements and fairground history, a carousel horse is categorized into three specific names based on its physical pose. A "Stander" is a horse with at least three feet firmly on the platform; these are typically the most elaborately carved and are found on the outside row of the carousel. A "Prancer" has its two front hooves in the air and its back feet on the floor, depicted in a spirited, active pose. Finally, a "Jumper" has all four hooves in the air and is the type that moves up and down on a pole as the carousel rotates. In the United Kingdom, these fairground rides are often called "Gallopers" if all the horses move up and down. Beyond these technical terms, the most decorated side of the horse—the one facing the audience—is known as the "Romance Side." Whether it's a "Stander" or a "Jumper," these hand-carved figures are considered masterpieces of folk art, with some original 19th-century horses from companies like Dentzel or Philadelphia Toboggan being highly prized by collectors in 2026.