While I'm not exactly wild about the DAR, having noticed an apparent preponderance

[IrishAyes]

Last edited Fri Aug 1, 2014, 11:57 PM - Edit history (1)

of conservative members, I have a friend who belongs and she passes along to me their official magazine because of my general interest in history. Recently one edition had a fascinating article about South Carolina's Marsh Tacky horses and their use in the Revolutionary War by The Swamp Fox. An effort's now underway to create a formal breed registry for them, as they deserve due to many unique qualities.

One interesting thing I learned is that when caught in quicksand, unlike most other horses which would struggle, Marsh Tackys will instead lie on their side for bouyancy and get out that way. They also have particular physical characteristics, of course. And they tend to run smaller than many modern horses do due to mankind's mania for size. The breed standard will run from 13 hands to 15. Despite the damn-near knockdown dragouts I've had over general horse vs pony classifications, particularly with regard to straightline Egyptian Arabians (whose bloodlines go straight back to the original source with no side branches), I'm glad to see another breed registry willing to accept compact models of only 13 hands as true horses.

My estimation of South Carolinians shot up over this lovely bit of reason. Too many Americans look down their size-obsessed noses at smaller horse breeds, not appreciating the fact that any top drawer Egyptian Arabian can run the socks off any thoroughbred given a good 3 miles to prove it. Most true Arabians (I tend to dismiss modern variations like Russian and Polish) can do 3-4 miles at top speed w/o blinking. One time I allowed my favorite mare to run all she wanted on a loose rein, but I had to pull her up after close to 5 miles because I started to worry about possible injury.

I used to breed straightline Egyptian Arabians and have a keen appreciation for toughness and brains, both of which appear abundant in the Marsh Tacky. W/o that magazine I might never have heard of them.

[littlemissmartypants]

1. As a very liberal member of the DAR I too am glad you saw the magazine.

Thanks for your lovely and informative post.

[Fortinbras Armstrong]

2. More-or-less as an aside

One of my ancestors fought in the American Revolution. However, he was a British officer, and so I don't think that any of his descendants would be eligible for membership in the DAR.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

4. Self deleted because I re-read and found the answer. Thanks for this post.

The Marsh Tacky Horse

Carolina Marsh Tacky Association
www.marshtacky.org/
Carolina Marsh Tacky Association
To Preserve and Promote the History and Heritage of the Marsh Tacky Horse of South Carolina. ... Copyright © 2009 Carolina Marsh Tacky Association. All rights ...

Carolina Marsh Tacky - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carolina_Marsh_Tacky
Wikipedia
The Carolina Marsh Tacky or Marsh Tacky is a rare breed of horse, native to South Carolina. It is a member of the Colonial Spanish group of horse breeds, which ...
‎Characteristics - ‎History - ‎Conservation - ‎References

mare and foal (colt, maybe)

[IrishAyes]

5. How beautiful! Thanks so much for that picture.

It's going straight into my file Saved For Later Large Prints. Look at the dainty little feet on that baby... they're gorgeous animals.

That's the major 'beauty point' some hold against Arabians, their comparatively large hooves. But that was to promote navigating treacherous sand dunes, and I think it even helps their stamina. They also have an undeserved reputation in some quarters of being flighty. I say that's due to human fault entirely. Every one I ever had was as cool under pressure as a cucumber. In fact that was the nickname for one of my saddle mares. I could and often did ride her straight into a flock of birds resting on the ground. When they flew up all around us (sorry, birds!) she'd shake her head and whinny at our mischief. Loved it.

Since I'll never be able to keep horses again, I'd really love to get my hands on some Marsh Tacky videos. I'm totally entranced with them.
///////////////////////////////////////

PS: In the past I might've had an edge at those races, however, given equal mounts, because my preferred saddle was a 3-lb Stueben that was little more than a leather pad with racing stirrups. God love people who ride Western, but it drives me battier than I am already when I try. I need a forward seat with as much direct horse contact for myself as possible. I was great at plunging at top speed across unmarked rough terrain, but I'd be pretty useless working on a ranch. (Love to watch cutting horse competitions.) Never used more than a broken snaffle, either.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

6. You are most welcome and thanks for introducing me to this breed. Can't believe I am just now

learning of them myself.

Was involved with Saddlebreds for some odd years ,,, this has been a decade or so ago.

But, yes I know what you mean about and undeserved reputation as Saddlebreds have the rep for being "high-spirited".

They are just very alert and very aware animals.

[IrishAyes]

7. If you'd already read my original reply,

know that I added to it considerably as an afterthought.

Marsh Tackys aren't terribly well known, but I'm sure with the new support they soon will be.

One thing I had a lot of trouble trying to convince people to do was to take an attitude of gratitude toward Arabians. They have feelings and opinions too, that are best accommodated when possible. Before I ever climbed onboard, I would talk and visit a few minutes with my mount. I'd whisper in the ear, "You are the most beautiful creature God ever made. If it's okay with you, I hope you'll let me ride awhile and that you'll bring me safely home so I can keep taking care of you as you so truly deserve.... etc etc...." And I'd scratch all their favorite places awhile, too, thanking them in advance. It's amazing what they'll do for you when you acknowledge their service and grandeur along with your own lower place on the totem pole. People who approach them with an air of arrogant (false) superiority are in for a well deserved battle.

'sfunny... a trainer for Kellogg Arabians once said I didn't really 'train' my horses but rather sweet-talked them into giving me what I wanted. That was followed up with the comment that the horse she'd just tried to ride was 'too fine tuned' for her! At least she didn't try to blame the horse for her mistake. I'd told her exactly what approach to use and that it had to be from the heart too, but she had scoffed then. Not anymore. I still treasure that as the greatest horse-related compliment I ever received.