Skip to main content
page-banner

Marsh Tacky

South Carolina State Heritage Horse

Marsh tacky horse and rider at the Marsh Tacky Race 2012, Hilton Head, SC; photo by Preneur d'image on Flickr (use permitted with attribution).

Marsh Tacky

South Carolina designated the marsh tacky (Equus caballus) as the official state heritage horse in 2010. The marsh tacky is a rare colonial Spanish horse breed unique to South Carolina. These tough horses have played a pivotal role in the development and defense of South Carolina, and were an integral part of life in early Lowcountry communities.