 Carolina Marsh Tacky at Hilton Head | |
| Other names | Marsh Tacky |
|---|---|
| Country of origin | United States |
| Traits | |
| Distinguishing features | Small, sure-footed horse with gentle disposition, adept at work in marshland. |
| Breed standards | |
The Carolina Marsh Tacky or Marsh Tacky is a critically endangered breed of horse,[1] native to South Carolina. It is a member of the Colonial Spanish group of horse breeds, which also include the Florida Cracker Horse and the Banker horse of North Carolina. It is a small horse, well-adapted for use in the lowland swamps of its native South Carolina. The Marsh Tacky developed from Spanish horses brought to the South Carolina coast by Spanish explorers, settlers and traders as early as the 16th century. The horses were used by the colonists during the American Revolution, and by settlers for farm work, herding cattle and hunting throughout the breed's history.
The breed is considered to be critically endangered by both the Livestock Conservancy and the Equus Survival Trust, and there are only around 400 Marsh Tackies in existence today. In 2006 and 2007, the two organizations worked together to complete DNA testing on the breed, with the goals of mapping the Marsh Tacky's place among other horse breeds, and starting a stud book. In 2007, an association was begun with the objective of preserving and promoting the Marsh Tacky; and in 2010, a closed stud book was created.
On June 11, 2010, a bill was signed into law that made the Carolina Marsh Tacky the official state horse of South Carolina.[2]
- ^ "Conservation Priority List". The Livestock Conservancy. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
- ^ "State Heritage Horse". Carolina Marsh Tacky Association. Retrieved 2011-02-04.