Carousels are commonly populated with horses, each horse weighing roughly 100 lbs (45 kg), but may include a variety of mounts, for example pigs, zebras, tigers, or mythological creatures such as dragons or unicorns.

The "spinny thing with horses" is most commonly known as a carousel (often used in the US) or a merry-go-round (common in the UK and Australia). It is an amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders, traditionally in the form of wooden or fiberglass horses that move up and down on poles to simulate galloping. While "carousel" and "merry-go-round" are often used interchangeably, purists sometimes distinguish them based on the direction of rotation: carousels in North America and mainland Europe typically turn counter-clockwise, whereas those in the United Kingdom usually turn clockwise. These rides have a rich history dating back to the 12th century, originally serving as a training device for knights to practice spearing a ring while riding in a circle. By the Victorian era, they evolved into the ornate, music-filled attractions we see today, often featuring elaborate hand-painted "chariots" and a mechanical band organ. Modern versions can be found in nearly every major theme park and city square, remaining a timeless symbol of childhood wonder and nostalgic fairground entertainment.