2022 Carolina Marsh Tacky Association - Pigs and Pearls Benefit

Carolyn and husband from Aiken

The mission of the Carolina Marsh Tacky Association (CMTA) is to preserve, promote and protect the Marsh Tacky horse lineage. The Inaugural Pigs and Pearls fundraiser on Saturday Feb. 19 at Grayson Oaks Farm, was held to celebrate all Marsh Tacky enthusiasts that enjoy fellowship together over barbecue and oysters. The event host owns five Marsh Tacky horses, and they were in their horse stalls and available for guests to visit. The warm afternoon sunshine allowed for everyone to enjoy the other barnyard animals at this farm, or to just lean up against a hay bale and let the time pass by, while thinking about the next chance to saddle up and go for a Marsh Tacky ride.

Typical Marsh Tacky Build

Not everyone knows that the Marsh Tacky is the South Carolina State Horse, or that their numbers are actually depressed at this time because other horse breeds can be in more demand for equestrian pursuits. The Marsh Tacky has gained a reputation over time as being sure-footed, and a most excellent hunting companion for sporting types to utilize. The average hight of a Marsh Tacky is 14-Hands, and their chest is thin but deep, which allows them to radiate heat better and thus stay fresh longer. The CMTA is providing connections that should allow breeding to expand, and they are adamant about the designation of using a 'registered' Marsh Tacky, to avoid watering down the gene pool. 

Look Closely to see a busted oyster knife,
It went PING and flew by my head!

Marsh Tacky Leadership worked non-stop, 
and even ate dinner at their work station

Bubba Green and his Gullah Grub crew supplied the fresh local steamed oysters, followed up by a barbecue supper spread that included hash and rice, mac and cheese (with tumeric) and baked beans. Music came in the form of a duo from Anderson, The Bank Walkers. The CMTA provided door prizes, raffle items and a silent auction to raise funds for their cause, and this event was so successful there are already rumblings for the next one to be held this Fall. After all this crowd travels well, with attendees coming from Greenville, Aiken, Hartsville, Dafuskie Island, Seabrook Island and nearby Walterboro. 

To view past blog entries with horses click on 2009 Middleton Place Hounds- 2011 Polo For The Point  - 2011 Yemassee Plantation Tour - 2011 Charleston Area Therapeutic Riding - 2012 DuBarry Boots at SEWE - 2012 Lowcountry Hunt at Airy Hall - 2012 Polo For The Point - 2013 Wild Horse of Corolla, OBX - 2013 Lowcountry Hunt / Hunt Weekend - 2014 Arrowmont Stables, NC - 2014 Barnsley Resort, GA -  2015 Rodeo at Double D Arena - 2015 Quail Hunt at Shenandoah Plantation, AL - 2018 World Equestrian Games  - 2020 #TeamHouston Horse Show - 2021 Lowcountry Hunt / Airy Hall - 2021 Lowcountry Hunt / Coosaw Plantation - 2021 Lowcountry Hunt / Rose Hill  

The event host enjoyed the festivities too.