The Rodeo Ride was a unique Herschell creation. The wooden horses were mounted on arms or sweeps that moved up and down by hydraulics, creating a galloping motion. The entire ride turned counterclockwise. Unlike carousel horses, these equines were squared-off wooden blocks which would have made the mounts appear chunky if not for the splendid artwork. Although they had painted features, the Rodeo ponies sported real leather saddles and fancy western-style stirrups. They carried holstered cap guns that riders fired at the paintings of bad guys mounted in the center of the ride. Some kids preferred aiming at their siblings. Kathy Baran, left, and her sister, Suzie, right take a night ride in 1966.

The Little Dipper brought smiles to the faces of young thrill seekers who didn't seem to mind its jerky movements. Photo courtesy of Tina Sisley, c.1963.

The Allan Herschell Company knew how to reuse molds to craft different rides. A later version of the pony cart ride utilized the molds for the small aluminum steeds found on Herschell's Kiddie Carousel. This photo was taken in the early 1970's. (The German Helicopter ride is directly behind the Pony Carts.) Notice that the little girl is the only child on the ride. Kiddieland was already past its peak years.

The Kiddie Carousel was populated by petite aluminum ponies just the right size for small children and was one of Herschell's more popular pint-sized rides. This one spent a couple of seasons in the early 1980's at Crystal Beach.

Herschell offered three different types of rides using a basic three-rail electric track system. These were the  Electric Pony Cart, Flivver and Roadway. The same pony carts that jogged around a circular platform could be used on the track system. Initially, a different style of pony was used. Flivvers were old-fashioned miniature cars and the Roadway featured sleek, modern sportscars, 1950's style. The latter spent several seasons at Crystal Beach and went by two distinct names, Kiddie Auto Speedway and Kiddie Turnpike. The headlights lit up and there was a button on the dashboard for kids to press to make a buzzing beep-type of noise. Notice the twin steering wheels. Herschell often had two or more fake controls on the kiddie rides so every kid had the chance to steer.

The Allan Herschell Company prided itself on the fact that its rides were durable and sturdy. The kiddie boats at Crystal Beach proved this claim as they lasted for more than 30 years having serviced thousands of tiny riders. (It's possible they are still operating in the carnival that bought them!) The summer of 1986 Colleen Ruchalski, back seat, enjoyed riding the boats the same as her parents, aunt and uncle had before her.