A carousel or carrousel (mainly North American English),, merry-go-round (international), roundabout (British English), or hurdy-gurdy (An old term in Australian English, in SA) is a type of amusement ride consisting of a rotating circular platform with seats for riders. The "seats" are traditionally in the form of rows of wooden horses or other animals mounted on posts, many of which are moved up and down by gears to simulate galloping, to the accompaniment of looped circus music.