A ride for all ages: Riding the Pony Express

Yesterday, I was back at The Grand Pier at Weston-super-Mare for the first time in four years. Things have changed a bit since then, but happily the Pony Express ride was still there! And since it had now been moved to a different area within the pier, it necessitated the need to film a new video. A few things haven't changed, it still costs 50p and the ride lasts around 50 seconds. One thing that is different though is that it is now mute, sadly, so the familiar western soundtrack can no longer be heard when he's moving. He also has a bit of a tendency to squeak a bit loudly when in motion, not in this recording as it turns out, nevertheless he still gives you a lovely ride! As you can tell, I put £1 in him for two rides because one is never enough! -ABOUT THE PONY EXPRESS- The Pony Express is a kiddie ride originally manufactured by Italian company Cogan. In the UK, the ride is supplied under license by SB Machines. It was first released in the mid-1990's, around the same time that the Ranch Cogan ride was released, some time between 1994/96. It was an immediate success thanks to its unique mechanism in which the horse gallops and then slows down into a gentle trot before speeding back up into a gallop, and this sequence repeats several times. This, plus his huge size and the use of reins made it look like you were riding a horse for real! The size of the horse also makes it suitable for older children and teenagers. It can even carry a full size adult! The success of this original Pony Express ride later led to other manufacturers to use similar mechanisms for their horse rides. Spanish company Falgas made their own Pony Express ride in the late 90's and another Italian company Memo Park also made a range of horse rides that used the same Pony Express model. The modern day Double Pony ride by Ital-Resina uses a similar technique of speeds to the Pony Express. The Pony Express is still going strong nearly three decades on from when it first arrived. Whilst only a few still remain today, it's popularity will always remain strong. To me, it is, and always will be, my favourite kiddie ride!