What child doesn’t grow giddy with excitement at the sight of a carousel? Now you can delight your child – and add a real showpiece to the child’s room – with his or her very own hand-painted carousel horse. We’ve found a wonderful source with options to fit almost any budget. All the horses boast intricately painted designs, just like the ones found on a real old-fashioned carousel. Prices start at $395 for a horse that’s 23” long x 23” high mounted on a 48” brass pole, but there are larger sizes too: 27” x 33,” with a 59” pole ($595); and 32” x 41” with a 58” pole ($695). Horses come in various “horse” colors, and there is a huge variety of color schemes for the saddles and decorations. Some have feminine motifs, but others look like they were made for knights of the Roundtable. All come with sturdy, standard bases, but for $95, you can get a music box base. You choose from 35 possible songs.

Most models come in galloping or jumping positions, but for $2,075, you can get a truly elegant and large – 62” x 62” – horse standing with one hoof delicately raised. These Royal Standers have painted designs fit for a king or queen.

If you want an heirloom that is so realistic you can almost see it breathe, you might want to opt for a hand-carved, completely customized horse that comes with a brass plaque signed by the artist who made it. These horses are carved from black walnut, maple, or mahogany. Manes are real horsehair. You pick the color of the mane and everything else. These top-of-the-line horses come with either rocker or swing bases (no pole). Prices start at $3,625 and go up depending on the size. Find all these splendid horses at http://www.wishihadthat.com/carousel-horses.aspx