I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun on a hunt in my entire life. This was Mama’s (Carolina Moon) first hunt and she was amazing. We rode in 2nd flight. We galloped, crossed swelled creeks, dodged hounds and jumped logs. Sadly this was the last hunt with Airy Hall as a fixture but I am so grateful to have done it up with my heart horse, memories I will cherish forever!
Here we are enjoying a little hack around the grounds at Rose Hill after an exciting day with Pegasus Riding Academy participating as a charity beneficiary for the 2021 Polo for Heroes event. DMTS’s three Marsh Tacky mares Mama, Carolina and Roxie all participated in the Parade of Breeds during the opening ceremonies, then they shined in Pegasus’ Special Olympics riding drill demonstration, lastly no one came unglued when the skydiver carrying our colors landed in the polo field from just overhead! Great day!
Today we met with a large group to trail ride through Francis Marion National Forest. Francis Marion was known by the British as the Swamp Fox, he actually rode Marsh Tackies here and defeated their Calvary during the American Revolution. It was a part of an expedition led by Tom Mullikin and the South Carolina 7 to travel the entire Palmetto Trail with the purpose of bringing attention to the seven natural wonders of the Palmetto State and creating a dialogue about conservancy and actionable steps towards conservation. It was great riding with everyone. Thanks to Shannon and Ashley of Hawkins Heritage Farm for providing the accommodations so I could participate!
A long standing annual tradition, our deer drive takes place every winter in the Oakridge and Webb Tracts. Generations of grandfathers, fathers and son hunters come over together with shotguns and hounds to cull our deer. If left unmanaged they become over populated and start to display poor genetics and diseases. All of the harvested deer is processed and surplus venison is donated to the community. Our job on horseback is to pull downed deer from the woods where trucks or ATV’s can’t reach. This was Flaca’s first hunt and she did amazing.
Longfield Stables at Palmetto Bluff welcomed Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society back for a second year of the Meet a Marsh Tacky Event over 4th of July weekend. This year we were lucky enough to spend the entire week complimentary at the Bluff because of the barge schedule which restricts when we can come and go from Daufuskie. We all had a wonderful time and the horses did not want to leave. We rode the obstacle course demonstration again and this year we rode the horses in Palmetto Bluff’s 4th of July parade through Wilson Village. Mandy and Roxie were amazing amongst the crowds and over the top decorations! Thank you to everyone at Longfield and the Bluff for a wonderful week.
Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society and Carolina Marsh Tacky Association were both invited by Clemson University to provide a show and tell lecture to their Horseman’s Association students at Mullet Hall. DMTS provided the lecture while CMTA provided a Marsh Tacky for show and tell. It was wonderful meeting all the bright young people who are the future of agriculture and the equine industry. We look forward to more opportunities to work with Clemson!
This was our second year in a row to be invited by the Morris Center for Lowcountry Heritage in Ridgeland, SC to present a Marsh Tacky lecture to the public. Erica, founding director of the Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society provided the power point presentation and lecture. Daniel Lowther is the grandson to Mr. DP Lowther of Ridgeland, SC and the single largest owner of the Marsh Tacky breed in the world with over 100 horses at the height of his involvement. Daniel brought a beautiful blue roan stallion for the public to view and he seemed to enjoy the attention very much. We are proud to have had a part in this lecture, held in the Marsh Tacky “capital” along side the family who is credited to so much of the breed’s conservation. The lecture was completely sold out in advance.
