Here are a few things Painted Ponies has to say about the carousel
heritage.  "Carosello" was a 17th century Italian word that meant
"little war."  This was a contest among horsemen who tried to catch
clay balls filled with scented oil, so that a broken ball engulfed
the contestant with the "scent of defeat."

This game originated with Turkish and Arabian riders.   In the royal
courts of France, the game changed, and horsemen tried to spear gold
rings with their lances while riding full speed.  "Carrousel" in French
referred to an entertainment by knights with chariot races, pageants
and exercises.  The sport was adapted to the European amusement devices
that became popular in the 18th century.  These were small, and were
turned by a man or a horse.

Patty Slayton