To Preserve and Promote the History and Heritage of the Marsh Tacky Horse of South Carolina
 
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The Catawba Chapter of the DAR 
Supports the Marsh Tacky as the State Heritage Horse 
 
 
 
 
 
The Herald – Rock Hill, SC
 

 
Make Marsh Tacky official state horse

October 8, 2009

The Catawba Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution is supporting the Marsh Tacky horse for S.C. State Heritage Horse. Because of the lack of support from our state representatives, the chapter thinks the people of South Carolina need to know more about this horse. One state representative even stated that he would not support the horse because it was ugly and he did not care what happened to the breed.

The Marsh Tacky horses are direct decedents of the Spanish horses brought to America in the 1500s. They lived and survived on the sea islands of South Carolina, and over the years, they developed into a unique strain of colonial Spanish horses, which very well could be one of the first true American horses.

During the Revolutionary War, Marsh Tackies assisted in the victories of Gen. Francis Marion by enabling the southern militia to outmaneuver British troops in the marshes. They served the Confederate Cavalry in the Civil War and helped protect our mainland during War II with the Coast Guard's Mounted Beach Patrol.

With the development of South Carolina's coastline, the wild Marsh Tackies on the Sea Islands were rounded up and moved from their habitat and the small herd was dispersed. Today, the Marsh Tacky is an endangered breed with fewer than 300 known horses.

The state should designate the Marsh Tacky as the State Heritage Horse. This recognition would emphasize the important role this breed has played in the development of this state and nation, and would heighten awareness of the endangered equine.

Marsh Tacky Horses are true South Carolina natives. As a State Heritage horse, the Marsh Tacky would remind people of the beauty and wonder of South Carolina's wildlife because they are a rare and unique breed — just like native South Carolinians.

Jane Massey

Regent, Catawba Chapter, DAR

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fort Mill Times
 

 
DAR trots out a Marsh Tacky
 
(Published September 23, 2009)
 
The Daughters of the American Revolution had a special meeting to introduce the Marsh Tacky horse to some of us who have not had the pleasure to see this magnificent breed.  There is a bill in the State House to designate the Marsh Tacky horse as the State Horse of South Carolina. The bill is H.3044.
 
The Marsh Tacky horse is a rare breed of Colonial Spanish horse found in South Carolina, descended from Iberian horses that arrived on Spanish ships in the 1500s. The horses were abandoned along the South Carolina coast and managed to survive on their own. For centuries, these abandoned horses adapted to the environment and developed into a unique strain of Colonial Spanish Horse, North America's first true horse.
 

During the Revolutionary War, Marsh Tackys assisted in the victories of the famous “Swamp Fox” – General Francis Marion – by enabling the Southern Militia to out maneuver the British Troops. These horses also served the Southern Confederate Calvary and helped protect our mainland during World War II, with the Coast Guard Mounted Beach Patrol. They were used wherever horsepower was needed; they pulled plows, herded cattle, hunted wild game, and took families to church on Sunday.

The first annual Marsh Tacky Beach Races were held on Hilton Head Island in March for the Gullah Celebration. It was a great success they expected 300 people and more than 3,000 showed up to support this horse.
 

Jansen Cox rode in full battle gear on this magnificent horse at this special meeting of the DAR. He was accompanied by her filly born in April, named Mariah. What a beautiful sight.

We have a state legislator, Rep. Herb Kirsh of Clover, who does not think this horse is worthy of this title! He does not think this horse looks like it should represent South Carolina, even though he has never personally seen a Marsh Tacky horse.

 
Mr. Kirsh, please tell me what your definition of a State Horse should be? This horse deserves to represent South Carolina as much as you do and is probably more qualified then most politicians in South Carolina.
 
The Florida Cracker Horse became the Florida State Horse in 2008. This Marsh Tacky horse is the same breed.
 
So, legislators, come up to the plate and make this horse our State Horse – it is truly worthy of the honor!
 
Have feedback or a column idea for Pat? E-mal her at pateudy@comporium.net