One look at this vintage carousel horse and I saw myself back on the merry-go-round in Brooklyn’s Prospect Park.
And no matter where you’re from originally in the U.S., the sight of it will likely transport you back to your own childhood.
Particularly if you’re of a certain, ahem, age.
Where will you find this bejeweled beauty?
On display at the Hubbard Museum of the American West in Ruidoso Downs, NM.
This Beautiful Vintage Carousel Horse & More
The carousel horse is one of the thousands of objects celebrating the horse and its unique role in building the American West.
The place is a horse lover’s mecca.
Curious . . . the late Anne C. Stradling, the woman from whose collection the bulk of the Museum’s displays is comprised, was born in New York City. Not exactly cowboy central.
Yet, she loved horses from her youth and spoke of always wanting to move West and marry a cowboy.
Hmmm, it appears the late Mrs. Stradling and I had a few things in common.
Except for that wanting to marry a cowboy part.
The point is if you like horses, a visit to the Hubbard Museum of the American West will make your day.

The Hubbard Museum of the American West, ~ 575.378-4142 ~ Open 9a-5p, closed Tue & Wed.
For more ways to enjoy horses in New Mexico, see this post about my visit to the Lincoln County Cowboy Symposium.