News

HORSEBACK RIDING ON THE BEACH DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
  • October 15, 2018

Finally! It’s time to put sand in our stirrups again. Due to county ordinance, horses on the beach are only allowed between October 15 through March 15 each year due to sea turtle nesting and the general increase in beach going tourists on the island. Our beach riding adventures are tailored to our guests to ensure an experience that is worthy of every equestrian’s bucket list. To learn more about our beach ride offerings and to inquire about making a reservation, click here!

SC AGRITOURISM ASSOCIATION
  • June 3, 2018

In the beginning of 2018, Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society joined as a member of the SC Agritourism Association. Agritourism is defined as the crossroads between agriculture and tourism. It includes any activity carried out on a working farm or ranch that allows the public, for recreational, entertainment, or educational purposes, to view or enjoy rural activities. While attending the annual summit, DMTS Founder/Director Erica was voted in to serve on the Association’s board of directors for the Lowcountry Region. Following a board meeting in Columbia, these adorable retail tiny houses were seen across from the meeting location and became a source of inspiration for our office. AKA the She-Shed, it’s where guests check in, get information and purchase items from us. It’s also designed to be a classroom and entertaining space.

MORRIS CENTER FOR LOWCOUNTRY HERITAGE LECTURE
  • February 17, 2018

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.

  • November 17, 2017
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Give a warm welcome to Mateo, the second Marsh Tacky foal to be born on Daufuskie Island in decades. He arrived six days after his half sister Estelita, yet he has surpassed her in size since day one! His dam is Carolina Moon and he is the second offspring for both “Mama” and his sire, Lowther’s Lucero. He has a brave and curious personality and already has proven to love running, bucking and snacking on Spanish moss. As his name implies, he is a product of the horses being evacuated together for Hurricane Matthew and he is truly a gift from God.

  • November 10, 2017
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The first foal to be born on Daufuskie in some say four decades is here! A blonde filly with a perfect dorsal stripe, white socks on all four feet (just like her Daddy) and a tiny star on her forehead was born on Friday morning, November 10, 2017. The sire is Lowther’s Lucero and the dam is Reina, who has proven to be a natural for her very first time as a mother. It’s apparent now that the first foal to be born on Daufuskie in decades was conceived when our herd was displaced together at Melrose for Hurricane Matthew – our filly is a living, silver lining to the storm! Would you like to give in support of this historic occasion? There are many ways to be involved! Please click to donate through our website, or contact us directly.

SIMMONS HOUSE AT SELMONT HALL DAUFUSKIE ISLAND
  • August 1, 2017
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Welcome to Heritage Hall, the new, permanent home of Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society. This major capital project, established in July 2017, has been made possible by a private partnership with the Selmont Family.

The most significant part of the project is the restoration of the historically significant Simmons House. Pending the new Beaufort County Bailey Bill application as well as additional partnerships with SC Parks, Recreation and Tourism and the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, once the project is complete it will feature the restored Simmons House, office, retail shop and Marsh Tacky Museum space (Phase 1); Tree removal, pasture establishment, fencing and overnight accommodations for staff, interns and vacation guests (Phase 2), and last but not lease, a shop and stables with living quarters and classroom space (Phase 3).

Additionally, native seasonal gardens, citrus orchard, and an apiary are being either preserved or established. Every effort will be made to reclaim and reuse materials from the property and to maintain its existing character. The floor plan and existing paint colors of the home shall be preserved. Care has been taken in planning so that routine activities at Heritage Hall incorporate composting, recycling and reduction of energy consumption.

This project broke ground in August of 2017 and is projected to be complete by 2027.

You can have a hand in developing the permanent home of Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society. Now is your chance to participate in preserving one of the last remaining historically significant Gullah cottages on the island so that it can have new life in perpetuity dedicated to preserving the critically endangered South Carolina State Heritage Horse. There are may ways to give and be involved, and your donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

We are in need of building supplies, machinery, equipment, appliances, etc to complete the Simmons House restoration. Once completed, our organization will be self sustaining! High profile legacy naming and sponsorship opportunities are available. CONTACT US TODAY!

  • May 26, 2017
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The added costs and logistical challenges of running an equestrian facility on an island without a bridge are huge. Our team utilizes their personal equipment, years of experience and working relationships in order to manage the ongoing needs of our horses successfully. Everything must be barged or ferried across which requires added expenses, planning two steps ahead and always having back up in case of an emergency. Some days are almost too crazy, but the rewards of having our SC State Heritage back in their historical roots on Daufuskie Island makes it all worthwhile. We are always seeking volunteers and donations of equipment such as tractors, trucks and trailers to add to our program. Your donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. Thanks to everyone who has gone out of their way, even in the slightest to help us fulfill our mission of saving the Marsh Tacky on Daufuskie through equine oriented programs that benefit the public!

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
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