Centuries ago, noble knights practiced jousting from horseback by aiming their lance at rings not unlike those used in the making of this ornament.  During the decades when carousels were at their peak of popularity, riders, young and old, were challenged to grab a brass ring from a long chute as they circled the platform aboard their favorite steed.  Those successful were often awarded with a free ride. Unfortunately, with fewer and fewer carousels, the cost of having rings made, and rigid insurance limitations, the ring game has all but disappeared from operating Carousels. The Crescent Park Carousel is one of the few rides that still offer this challenge.