Three styles of carousels were produced for American merry-go-rounds. Two are named for the areas where they were made and the third for where the carousel would operate.

Philadelphia Style:
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was the home of one of the earliest and most famous of the carousel builders, Gustav Dentzel. His horses were realistic looking with legs positioned as though galloping, and muscles and veins on heads and necks. Other carvers emulated his realistic style to create the Philadelphia school of carousels, including the Philadelphia Toboggan Company and the Muller Brothers.

The Coney Island Style:
Typified by wood carvers Charles Looff, William F. Mangels, Marcus C. Illions, Stein and Goldstein, and Charles Carmel. The carving and decoration were fanciful, and often included many jewels. Despite the great ornamentation, there was still skilled carving. Elaborate objects were carved under the cantle (back of the saddle) and alongside the horse's profile. Bodies often appeared out of proportion.

County Fair Style:
Produced by Charles W. Dare, Charles W. Parker, and the offshoots of Allen Herschell's company Armitage Herschell, Herschell Spillman, Spillman Engineering, and Allan Herschell. These artifacts are known for their compact size and simplified look. Function determined form with this style. Lightly-carved horses had unnaturally outstretched legs allowing easier transport on portable (not permanent) machines that traveled between various carnivals and fairs. The ornamentation and expressions of these horses were simple. The lack of protrusion such as forward moving ears, facilitated ease of transportation as well.