What's a Marsh Tacky? A marshmallow that's been melting in the sun? Or maybe a badly decorated wetland? No, this strange name is actually for a horse-South Carolina's official state heritage horse. And while the little Marsh Tacky might not be well-known, it is an important part of South Carolina's history and still a beloved breed today.
Marsh Tackies developed on the Sea Islands of South Carolina over three centuries. They're descended from Colonial Spanish horses brought to coast of South Carolina in the 16th century, when the Spanish attempted the first European settlement in the US at Santa Elena on present-day Parris Island.
Marsh Tackies were bred to thrive in the challenging climate and terrain of the Lowcountry-hot, humid and swampy. They are small, sturdy, calm, brave and gentle. Other horses struggled in the soft, difficult terrain of swamp, pluff mud, water and marsh. The Marsh Tacky, however, was known for being both sure-footed and for not panicking in difficult situations. Both traits were essential for work in the Lowcountry.
The little Marsh Tacky even played an important role in American history. The Marsh Tacky was the preferred horse of the soldiers under Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" whose victories in the Revolutionary War helped turn the tide for the patriots. The British cavalry's big, heavy war horses were at a distinct disadvantage in the swamps of South Carolina, while the Marsh Tackies moved the patriots through almost impenetrable swampland.
