Galloper

Watermouth Castle, September 2023

I came across this horse during my one and only visit to Watermouth Castle.  I had no idea she was there and so have no idea how long she may have been there prior to my visit.  In fact, I know nothing about this ride at all.  The horse itself is one commonly produced for fairground galloper sets.  I've never seen the base before and wonder if it was a one of a kind DIY project put together by somebody at Watermouth Castle.  Alas, this also means I have no idea of the age of the ride.

I have seen horses like this one used as coin operated rides before.  There were a couple on a double base in Skegness when I was a child which I believe were assembled by Robinson Partners, and I've also seen photos of three of them side by side in Cleveleys in the 1960s.

Of course, with my own "Carousel" horse ride also being an original Heyn fairground galloper, I was thrilled to see another galloper horse on a coin operated base, whatever her origins.  I just wish I could find out more about her history.