About the CMTA
The Carolina Marsh Tacky Association ( CMTA ), established in 2007 , is a 501 ( c ) 3 nonprofit organization whose purpose is to preserve and promote the Marsh Tacky horse .
Once plentiful in the Lowcountry of South Carolina , Marsh Tackies are now endangered with less than 400 documented Marsh Tackies in existence . The CMTA , horse owners and enthusiasts are diligently working to save the Marsh Tacky from extinction and to preserve the history of the breed .
Marsh Tackies range in size from 13.2 to 15 hands and weigh from 700-900 pounds . They have long manes and tails and display mostly solid colors . Some exhibit primitive markings such as dorsal stripes , and zebra leg striping . In a study conducted by Mississippi State University , it was found that Marsh Tackies have a unique gait , named the Swamp Fox Trot by the CMTA . Marsh Tackies are levelheaded , fearless horses that are excellent for farm work , endurance competitions , trail riding or hunting .
Meet the Mare
Now you have a chance to meet one of these rare and beautiful horses ! Molly is an extraordinary horse , who began her career as a humble plow horse . Today , she is an ambassador for the Marsh Tacky ’ s indomitable spirit and , with her colorful owner Janson Cox , regularly makes public appearances .
At the age of 22 , Molly out-dashed 19 younger horses to win the Hilton Head Marsh Tacky Beach Race , a story retold in Beach Race Champion : A Marsh Tacky Tale . She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution . Molly ’ s bloodline will carry on through her daughter , Mariah .
In his first 70 years , Janson has been the state historian , history professor , manager of Charles Towne Landing , director of the S . C . Cotton Museum and Marsh Tacky advocate . He ’ s kept alive the story of horse-mounted U . S . soldiers from the Revolutionary War to the present .
Watch for your chance to meet Molly and Janson around 12:25 p . m ., as they walk the rail down parade row !
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