This children’s ride was produced by the Bally Manufacturing Corporation of Chicago, Illinois, in the 1950s/’60s. The ride features a fiberglass horse refinished in black-and-white paint atop a black frame, with motion provided by a coin-activated electric motor. Additional features include a 115-volt power cord, a faux brown-painted saddle seat and head piece, leather reins, and metal steps. This children’s ride is now offered at no reserve in Boca Raton, Florida, on a bill of sale.
The Bally Manufacturing Corporation produced a Gene Autry-themed “Ride the Champion” coin-operated ride in the 1950s. The fiberglass horse on this example is posed in galloping motion and was refinished in black paint with white accents, mane and tail, as well as black eyes, nostrils, and hooves.
The ride features a molded faux Western-style saddle finished in brown paint with red accents, together with brown leather reins with metal attachments. A metal step ladder is attached to the right side.
The coin-operated mechanism is finished in red paint and is set up to offer a single ride for 10 cents.
The metal and wood base has been refinished in black with diamond-plate steps and yellow “Western Pony 10¢” graphics along each side.
Source: 1950s Bally Western Pony Children’s Ride at No Reserve
