• History, Heritage and Legacy

    History, Heritage and Legacy

    The Marsh Tacky was designated our SC State Heritage Horse because of their generous contributions to development, agricultural, transportation and wartime efforts throughout history. Today, it is a critically endangered species and one of the rarest breeds of horse in the world. Visit us to experience living history in the making.

  • Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Adventures

    Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Adventures

    Experience the most quintessentially Lowcountry trail riding pursuit available – upon a Marsh Tacky on Daufuskie Island. Private, guided rides are tailored to you, ensuring an adventure that is worthy of being on every equestrian’s bucket list.

  • Our Mission

    Our Mission

    Established in 2015, our mission is to save the critically endangered SC State Heritage Horse in its native habitat on Daufuskie Island through equine oriented programs that benefit the public. You can help. Join the Society today!

  • Saving the Marsh Tacky on Daufuskie

    Saving the Marsh Tacky on Daufuskie

    Marsh Tackies thrived independently on Daufuskie for hundreds of years until they were removed in the 80’s due to resort and golf course development. We brought them “home” in 2015. We are the only nonprofit that exists exclusively to benefit the South Carolina State Heritage Horse in its native habitat. Donate now!

Featured News

  • CHECK OUT OUR MERCH

    Around the Barn July 15, 2024

    Summer is here and the latest round of improvements to the She Shed are a wrap. It’s hard to stay cool this time of year but thankfully we have lots of new seating in the shade, fans, cold AC, a fridge to keep drinks...

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  • FAREWELL, MATEO

    Mateo June 10, 2024

    Our first born colt has just graduated to his great destiny, to be owned, loved and spoiled by my Goddaughter in Charleston. We knew they were a match made in heaven a long time ago, the timing was finally right to make it happen....

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  • FAREWELL, FILLIES

    Our Horses June 9, 2024

    Mira and Rosa are traveling to their forever homes, on a beautiful farm near Clemson today. Congratulations to Cindy Malphrus whose family has a rich history with the breed. She initially inquired with us about purchasing one, but after careful consideration, why buy just...

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Latest news

Join the Society

Membership

Be a Part of History in the Making

Join the Society!

Membership offerings are now available to join the Society. Revenues collected from Membership proceeds shall only benefit the 501c3 Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society’s mission statement to save the critically endangered SC State Heritage Horse on Daufuskie Island through equine oriented programs that benefit the public, with a focus on capital improvement projects that will enable us to best provide for the routine care of our horses and expand our program offerings. Society Members receive VIP invitations to gatherings and special events, get premiere and in some cases, exclusive access to our organization’s news and announcements. Plus, members enjoy discounts on retail and equine oriented activities.

Members are encouraged to volunteer and/or join committees.

Annual Membership Levels 2024-2025

Student – $25

Military/Teacher/First Responder – $35

Individual – $55

Couple (2 people) – $85

Family (3-5 people) – $165

Farm (6+ people) – $40 per person

Lifetime Membership Levels

Levels coming soon! If you are interested in purchasing a lifetime membership, contact us directly.

Click Here to Join Now

Learn More Or
Email Us At ride@daufuskiemarshtackysociety.org

Our Horses

    • Carolina “Mama” Moon

      Our Horses

      Carolina Moon earned the nickname "Marshside Mama" when she joined our herd in 2016 with Flaca. She was born in 2007 and has a been-there-done-that attitude. She's opinionated, athletic, and a blast to ride.

    • Grace

      “Southern by the Grace of God” aka Grace is the newest potential member of the core DMTS herd. Her role, if she’s proven to be fit for it, will be to acclimate to our...

    • Lowther’s Lucero

      Our Horses

      Louie, born in 2015, is a bay dun roan stallion and the father of the first Marsh Tacky foals born on Daufuskie in decades. He is sired by Hershey.

    • FLACA DAUFUSKIE MARSH TACKY SOCIETY

      Flaca

      Our Horses

      Meet Flaca. This grulla mare was born in 2013 and joined our herd on Daufuskie in 2016. She is the mother to the third Marsh Tacky born on Daufuskie, Clover.

Tacky Facts

For Your Information

  • A study conducted by Mississippi State University concluded the Marsh Tacky indeed has a unique, fifth gait compared to other gaited breeds. In 2010, the Carolina Marsh Tacky Association coined the name, the “Swamp Fox Trot,” giving a nod to General Francis Marion and his men who rode Marsh Tacky horses and defeated British calvary during the Revolutionary War.

  • “Tacky” is an Old English word which means “common” however there are only around 400 Marsh Tackies in existence today.

  • Dr. Phil Sponenberg is a leading professor of horse genetics at Virginia Tech University, and an expert on Colonial Spanish horses. According to him, “Colonial Spanish Horses are of great historic importance in the New World. They descend from horses introduced from Spain during the age of the conquest of the New World. They are a direct remnant of the horses of the Golden Age of Spain and that type is mostly or wholly extinct now in Spain. Our Colonial Spanish horses are therefore a treasure chest of genetic wealth from a time long gone.”

Upcoming Events

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HOOK N’ SHUCK

December 28, 2024 at 12:00 am

DMTS 9TH YR ANNUAL MEETING

February 15, 2025 at 12:00 am

The culture, history and heritage that the Marsh Tacky represents belongs to all of us and it should be celebrated by everyone!

Volunteers Needed OrJoin The Society
BOOK NOW