A majority of the repairs to the Simmons House has been made and the house is starting to shine. We did everything we could to preserve the home’s hip roof pitch, floor plan, paint colors and character. We still have a ways to go but we are over the hill. We look forward to celebrating with everyone and hosting a house warming party soon.
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!
With the current, unprecedented and unheard of new Covid-19 lockdowns ordered, we have sheltered in place with a focus on beginning our renovation efforts at the historically significant Simmons House at Selmont Hall. We hope everyone stays safe at this uncertain time. We will continue to post with updates when possible!
When you ride with us, not only are you experiencing the most quintessentially Lowcountry trail riding pursuit available, but a majority of your proceeds from your ride are going to support the routine care of our SC State Heritage Horses. We are family owned, operated and this is our passion. Choose an equestrian vacation destination with a grassroots purpose. Help support the preservation, conservation and protection of the SC State Heritage Horse in their native habitat. Shop local, save a sea horse, ride a Marsh Tacky!
Winter is arguably our favorite time of year on the island. There’s less heat, bugs, snakes and tourists. The season is short so you have to make the days count with jeans, boots, beach rides, trail blazing, bon fires, trout fishing and oyster roasts! It’s stone crab season too. These beautiful claws and clams were cooked in a white wine, butter and scallion sauce. Served with fresh lemon wedges, new potatoes and french bread with a homemade pesto and paired with (more) wine and bourbon, delicious! Join the Society and get invitations to bon fires, oyster roasts and cookouts like this!
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.
Beaufort County announced a mandatory barrier island hurricane evacuation so we are mobilizing and implementing our hurricane evacuation plan to our new property, Duncan Acres, located in Dale. We are on the barge and headed to the mainland now. We hope everyone stays safe during their evacuation travels!
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!
We are now through 2 of 3 public readings at Beaufort County Council with unanimous approval so far for Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society to lease 40 acres of the 80 acre conservation easement located in Dale, SC. The formal RFP application process has taken over one year to write and be considered for. The Island Packet covered our story in the paper today. This is a huge milestone for us and our program!
