I’m not an activist, but I am an equestrian. My concern is for the real ponies used for children’s carousel rides. Can we offer our children a better experience than riding in a track in repetitive circular motion tethered tightly to a pole to restrict head movement at a mechanically set speed? Is this the best we can do?
My 8-year-old granddaughter tells me there are a few farms in rural counties offering pony rides led by a handler who interacts with the child rider along a riding path.
Historically, merry-go-round carousels are wooden horses beautifully painted. Entire families can enjoy the ride together. The horses won’t mind the various sizes of their riders either. Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle and Missoula, Montana, have wildly successful carousel rides for only $2.
Frances Baker
Stanwood
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.