The Carolina Marsh Tacky is a critically endangered horse breed native to the Lowcountry of South Carolina. These horses belong to a group of Colonial Spanish breeds descended from Iberian horses brought to America by early Spanish explorers.
Bred to live and work in challenging swamp conditions, Marsh Tackies served key roles in American history and culture. While the breed is still the official state horse of South Carolina, the Marsh Tacky now faces an uncertain future.
This endangered breed has only survived thanks to local conservation efforts and revived beach racing traditions that showcase their unique abilities.
This breed profile will discuss the history, characteristics, conformation, health problems, and nutritional needs of the Marsh Tacky breed. Keep reading to learn more about care and mangement for Marsh Tacky horses.
Marsh Tacky Horse History
The history of the Marsh Tacky breed goes back several centuries to the first settlements in the Southeastern Colonies. The Tacky name comes from the old-fashioned word for common, reflecting their status as the most common horse in the Lowcountry.
Origin
The ancestors of Marsh Tacky horses descend from Spanish colonial horses imported to the Americas as early as the 16th century. Settlers brought some of these horses to Santa Elena, a Spanish settlement on present-day Parris Island.
After early Spanish settlements failed, the horses left behind formed feral herds. Spanish horses from Florida spread throughout the American Southeast, establishing founding populations for several Colonial Spanish horse breeds, including the Florida Cracker, Shackleford Banks, and Tackies. [1]
Free-roaming herds in the Lowcountry adapted to the coastal environment, living off marsh grasses and traversing swampy wetlands. Locals captured and domesticated the horses, and the breed quickly became the most popular horse in the region.
Historic Use
South Carolina residents of all social statuses owned Marsh Tackies. The versatile breed fulfilled a variety of jobs as all-around horses in Colonial America. Owners used Tackies to plow fields, deliver messages, pack goods on trade routes, herd cattle, hunt, and more.
Colonists rode Marsh Tackies into battle during the American Revolution. Tackies allowed Francis Marion, the military officer nicknamed the Swamp Fox, to outmaneuver the British cavalry in the lowland swamps. [2]
During World War II, beach patrols rode Marsh Tackies to survey the South Carolina coast for Nazi U-boats and enemy spy landings. After the war, owners began using their Tackies in beach races at Hilton Head.
The races stopped when breed numbers declined in the late 20th century. Only approximately 100 Marsh Tackies remained in South Carolina by 2007 when renewed interest in the breed saved these horses from extinction.
Breed Registry
The Carolina Marsh Tacky Association (CMTA) is the official breed organization established in 2007 to preserve and promote the Marsh Tacky breed.
The CMTA closed the Marsh Tacky studbook in 2010 to protect the purity of the breed. Foals of registered dams and sires are immediately eligible for registration. The inspection committee considers exceptions based on DNA testing and breed type.
A closed studbook protects the breed standards shaped by centuries of life in the South Carolina Lowcountry.
Breed Characteristics
Conformation
Marsh Tackies have an average height of 14 to 14.2 hands. Their small builds allowed them to travel over soft terrain more easily than heavier breeds.
These horses have a balanced and athletic general appearance. Some Marsh Tackies are gaited, but all horses should have smooth, fluid movement.
Their heads have flat or slightly concave profiles with wide-set eyes, fine muzzles, and short to medium ears with an inward pointing notch. Most Marsh Tackies feature necks that are set lower on their chests compared to other horse breeds.
Other conformation traits include pronounced withers, short backs, angled croups, low-set tails, deep chests, and tough hooves.
Colours
All coat colours are acceptable in the Marsh Tacky breed. Common colours include:
- Bay
- Black
- Grullo
- Dun
- Blue Roan
- Bay Roan
Temperament
While most Marsh Tackies share common physical characteristics, their temperament is also a vital breed trait.
Most Marsh Tackies have excellent temperaments. The breed is generally calm and levelheaded, even under challenging situations. Their bravery and intelligence help these horses navigate through dense swamplands.
Marsh Tackies are popular with riders of all levels because of their gentle nature and reliability. However, personalities can vary between individual horses.
Disciplines
The Marsh Tacky is an ideal breed for trail riding on the beach, thanks to its surefootedness, temperament, and Carolinian heritage. The same versatility that once made Marsh Tackies the most common horse breed in South Carolina now enables them to excel across a wide range of disciplines.
Marsh Tacky owners commonly use their horses for endurance, working cattle, and pleasure riding. Some Marsh Tacky horses work as ambassadors for the breed at museums and heritage centers on the Carolina coast.
Health Profile
While specific health issues in Marsh Tackies have not been extensively studied, the breed’s small breeding population poses a risk of genetic disorders. Additionally, given their close relation to Iberian breeds, Marsh Tackies may share similar health risks associated with those breeds.
Genetic Diseases
Studies indicate most endangered breeds with small breeding populations have higher levels of inbreeding, which can contribute to health problems. [3] Inbreeding reduces genetic diversity and increases the likelihood of offspring inheriting harmful genetic mutations.
This is compounded by the fact that Marsh Tackies have a closed studbook, which restricts gene flow and limits the potential for increasing genetic diversity. [3]
While more research is needed to investigate the prevalence of genetic diseases in Marsh Tackies, the lack of genetic diversity could contribute to a higher risk of inherited disorders in the breed. [3]
Health Problems
Marsh Tacky horses are generally known for their robust health and hardiness, with a natural resistance to some diseases that commonly affect horses. These horses lived in challenging marsh environments, which led to a form of natural selection where only the hardiest individuals survived and reproduced.
The common health issues that Marsh Tacky horses encounter today are often linked to domestic management practices rather than inherent breed characteristics. However, these horses may have inherited a higher risk of Equine Metabolic Syndrome from their Colonial Spanish ancestors.
Research indicates that Spanish horse breeds, such as Andalusians and Andalusian-cross horses, are more prone to insulin resistance compared to other breeds. [4] This is a condition where the body’s cells do not respond effectively to insulin, which can lead to various metabolic issues as well as laminitis. [5].
Marsh Tacky horses living in the South Carolina Lowcountry also have an increased risk of certain vector-borne diseases and skin irritations associated with insects. [6] Marshes and wetlands are insect breeding grounds, contributing to a high density of biting insects.
The persistent presence of flies and other biting insects triggers a range of fly avoidance behaviors in horses. One common response is continuous stomping, which can compromise hoof integrity and loosen shoes. [7]
Additionally, the region’s hot and humid climate exacerbates the challenge of managing equine skin conditions like sweet itch and dermatitis. Horses will also seek out shade in hot, sunny environments, which can decrease locomotion and grazing behaviours during turnout. [8]
Care and Management
Feral Marsh Tacky horses are known to require less maintenance than many other horse breeds. This resilient and adaptable breed is capable of thriving in environments that would be difficult for other horses.
However, domestic horses benefit from basic care and proper management to ensure their long-term health and well-being
Work with your veterinary and other equine health professionals to develop a preventative health program that includes:
- Veterinary Check-ups: Regular veterinary examinations are essential for early detection of health issues, including lameness.
- Vaccinations: Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations on a vaccine schedule to prevent infectious diseases.
- Dental Care: Important for optimal chewing and oral health; includes routine exams and floating.
- Parasite Control: Implement a strategic deworming program to protect your horse against internal parasites.
- Farrier Care: Regular hoof maintenance by a qualified farrier is crucial for hoof balance and maintaining soundness. Marsh Tackies may need extra support to maintain healthy hooves in wet, humid environments. [9]
- Grooming: A thorough daily grooming routine supports coat health and allows you to bond with your horse. Owners can also use grooming sessions to check for signs of skin irritations.
Adequate housing or shelter that provides refuge from the sun, heat, and bugs is essential for Marsh Tacky horses living in their native South Carolina. Forage and water should always be available in shaded areas.
In hot weather, consider turning your horse out at night when temperatures are lower, and insects are less active. Use fly gear and other fly control strategies to protect horses from biting insects. Fly boots and fly spray can help reduce stomping to protect hoof health.
Weight Maintenance
Marsh Tackies are considered “easy keepers” due to their evolutionary adaptation to environments with limited food resources. This term refers to their ability to maintain or gain weight with relatively little feed compared to other horse breeds.
Originally living in the marshy Lowlands, these horses adapted to survive on sparse vegetation, including a variety of grasses, shrubs, and other plant materials that were native to their habitat. This resulted in a diet that was relatively low in calories and nutrients.
The availability and type of forage would also vary with the seasons. As a result, Marsh Tacky horses became adept at conserving energy and storing fat for periods when food resources could be scarce.
These horses developed an efficient metabolism, allowing them to extract maximum nutrients from minimal or lower-quality forage. However, in a domesticated setting with regular access to higher-quality forage and feeds, this metabolic efficiency makes these horses prone to weight gain and associated health issues.
Owners need to be mindful of their horse’s caloric intake to prevent obesity and metabolic disorders. Regular exercise and careful monitoring of your horse’s body condition are essential to maintain their health.
Nutrition Program
The Spanish ancestors of Marsh Tacky horses survived primarily on marsh grasses in the coastal areas of South Carolina. However, modern domesticated Marsh Tackies need a balanced, forage-based diet to stay healthy and reduce the risk of metabolic problems in the breed.
Forage
Horses are grazing animals that evolved with a digestive system optimized for almost constant intake of high-fiber roughage. To support the digestive health of your Marsh Tacky, offering free-choice forage is the most effective approach.
Horses at maintenance (not exercising) or in light work are expected to consume 2% of their bodyweight in forage dry matter per day. An average 800 lb (360 kg) Marsh Tacky is predicted to eat approximately 16 pounds (7 kg) of mid-quality grass hay per day.
Low-sugar, low-starch grass hays are the safest forages for breeds with a predisposition to metabolic problems. Marsh Tacky horses participating in races or intense training may need higher quality forages that provide extra energy and protein.
Be aware that easy weight gain can be a sign of metabolic syndrome. These horses are typically insulin resistant which means their appetite has no “off” switch. They cannot be given free choice hay or they will overeat. Consider restricting their forage to 1.5% of body weight. Rationed hay can be provided in a slow feeder to extend the time with hay available.
Full-time turnout on fresh grass isn’t suitable for all Marsh Tacky horses. Some grasses have high starch content that can increase the risk of pasture laminitis.
Consider turning your horse out on a dry lot instead or using a grazing muzzle. [10]
Vitamins and Minerals
Marsh Tacky horses can typically maintain body condition on a forage-only diet. However, forage will not supply all the vitamins and minerals a horse needs to meet their nutritient requirements. Supplementing with a concentrated vitamin and mineral premix can prevent deficiencies and ensure a balanced diet.
Mad Barn’s Omneity® is a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement that provides essential nutrients commonly lacking in forage. Feeding Omneity® supports hoof health, skin and coat quality, immune function and overall wellness in Marsh Tackies.
Additionally, Omneity® is a concentrated and grain-free supplement, making it an ideal choice for easy keeper horses without adding unnecessary calories that could lead to weight gain.
Sample Diet
The following sample diet is intended for a mature 360 kg (800 lb) Marsh Tacky horse with normal body condition at maintenance (not exercising).
Feed | Amount per day |
---|---|
Mid-Quality Hay (8% crude protein) | Free-choice |
Salt | 15 g (1 tbsp) |
Omneity® Pellets | 150 g (1.5 scoops) |
Diet Analysis | |
Digestible Energy (% of Req) | 118% |
Protein (% of Req) | 126% |
HC (ESC + starch; % Diet) | 8.8% |
Feeding Recommendations
Marsh Tackies don’t typically need grains or other commercial concentrates in their diet. High-starch grains can contribute to metabolic and digestive problems in horses.
Soaked hay pellets or beet pulp are good forage-based alternatives to grains for horses that require additional calories. If you feed your Marsh Tacky grain, split the daily ration into small meals throughout the day to reduce the risk of digestive issues, such as colic.
Marsh Tackies should always have access to fresh water and plain loose salt to encourage hydration in their hot environment.
Many horses do not get enough sodium in their diet. To address this, it is recommended to add 1 – 2 tablespoons of loose salt to your horse’s daily ration. For an average Marsh Tacky weighing 360 kg (800 lb) that is not in work, 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) is likely sufficient but this will need to be increased if they are worked.
Nutritional Supplements
Formulating a balanced diet is the most important aspect of developing a feeding program for Marsh Tacky horses. After you’ve balanced the diet to provide adequate levels of essential nutrients, you can consider feeding additional supplements for extra support.
- W-3 Oil: This is a fat supplement rich in natural Vitamin E and the omega-3 fatty acid DHA. DHA supports the homeostatic regulation of inflammation, immune function, joint health, and skin health.
- Performance XL: Electrolytes: Horses in hot, humid environments lose significant amounts of electrolyte minerals through sweat. Feeding an electrolyte supplement replaces these key minerals and supports performance.
- Visceral+®: This is a comprehensive gut supplement that is veterinarian-recommended to maintain stomach and hindgut health. Visceral+® is formulated with probiotics, prebiotics, yeast, amino acids, minerals, and herbs to support your horse’s digestive tract and immune system.
- Spirulina: Spirulina is a nutrient-rich blue-green algae with benefits for skin and coat condition, the respiratory system and immune function. Spirulina is beneficial for horses dealing with skin irritations or allergies.
Submit your horse’s diet online and receive personalized advice from our expert equine nutritionists to formulate a well-balanced feeding program for your Marsh Tacky.
References
- Conant, E. et al. A microsatellite analysis of five Colonial Spanish horse populations of the southeastern United States. Anim Genet. 2011. View Summary
- Fitz-Simmons, D. Francis Marion the ‘swamp fox’: An anatomy of a low intensity conflict. Small Wars Insurg. 2007.
- Schurink, A. et al. The Genomic Makeup of Nine Horse Populations Sampled in the Netherlands. Genes. 2019. View Summary
- Cantarelli, C. et al. Evaluation of oral sugar test response for detection of equine metabolic syndrome in obese Crioulo horses. Domest Anim Endocrinol. 2018. View Summary
- Johnson, P. et al. Laminitis and the Equine Metabolic Syndrome. Vet Clin Equine Pract. 2010. View Summary
- Fadok, V. et al. Equine insect hypersensitivity: skin test and biopsy results correlated with clinical data. Equine Vet J. 1990.
- Christensen, J. et al. Insect-repelling behaviour in horses in relation to insect prevalence and access to shelters. Appl Anim Behav Sci. 2022.
- Holcomb, K. et al. Physiological, behavioral, and serological responses of horses to shaded or unshaded pens in a hot, sunny environment. J Anim Sci. 2013.View Summary
- Mottet, R. et al. Effectiveness of Stable Fly Protectants on Adult Horses. J Equine Vet Sci. 2018.
- Geor, R. Pasture-Associated Laminitis. Vet Clin North Am Equine Pract. 2009.View Summary
I just found the article on the Marsh Tacky. So cool that you’ve highlighted the breed! I own two geldings in Maryland. They are fantastic horses!
I have to thank you for such a great article about Marsh Tackey horses! I have a MT cross…his dam was a pure MT. It’s great that you can teach others about this endangered breed! Thank you