Have you ever heard of the Marsh Tacky? We won’t take offense if you haven’t because I’m pretty sure you have to be from the Lowcountry to have even heard the name of this heritage horse. I have not actually seen a Marsh Tacky in real life; only in pictures.

According to a Post & Courier article, “The Marsh Tacky got the names ‘Marsh’ for running wild in marshlands and ‘Tacky’ for being cheap and commonly used. Francis Marion and his troops rode them as they fought against the British in the Revolutionary War, and Confederate troops used them during the Civil War.”

The Marsh Tacky was used by both farmers and hunters, as well as the Gullah people of the Beaufort and Hilton Head areas racing Marsh Tackies.

Here are some facts about our new state heritage horse from Carolina Marsh Tacky Outdoors:

• 500 years of history in the Carolinas & Georgia
• Colonial Spanish Bloodlines
• Exhibit most Solid Colors, some Primitive Markings
• Average 14.3 or under
• Some are Naturally Gaited
• Kind, Level-headed and Easy Keepers
• Excellent on Trails, Sure-footed and Swamp-Savvy
• Critically Endangered! Less than 100 remain

Next time you’re at Brookgreen Gardens, stop by the zoo and visit with a Marsh Tacky too!