Carolina Marsh Tacky Association

09/30/2026

So, you want a Marsh Tacky. You’ve heard they’re easy keepers and so easy-going. You love the history that is attached to the breed. Well, all of that is great, but please remember they are domesticated horses. They are dependent on you as an owner to provide a certain level of care. They are not wild/feral horses which can travel an average of 15 to 20 miles a day over much rougher terrain than the pastures that our domesticated horses live in.

They need regular farrier work. Without it, the entire angle of the leg and hoof is far less than desirable. This translates to stress throughout their entire body.

They need to be dewormed based on a vet recommended regimen. Again, they are not wild/feral horses and are contained in much smaller areas thereby requiring them to graze where manure management can vary widely.

They need vaccinations. Mosquitoes carry both Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile virus. WNV has a 30-40% mortality rate and EEE has a 90% rate. Rabies has a 100% mortality rate.

They need a Coggins test. Required by law if you transport your horse off your farm. Should you have to evacuate because of a hurricane, most places will require proof of Coggins. This is a blood test that checks for Equine Infectious Anemia which is an incurable viral disease. Transport across state lines and you need a health certificate.

They need proper nutrition. Yes, they can be easy keepers, but that does not mean that pregnant mares don’t need a ration balancer to accommodate the extra needs of both the mare and foal. And being an easy keeper can also be a challenge as an obese horse can develop laminitis which can result in euthanasia. At the very least, they will be thin soled and may require shoes which is increased farrier bills.

They need properly fitted saddles and bits. One saddle does not fit all horses. PLEASE READ THAT PART AGAIN. I have 5 Marsh Tackies on my farm that range in saddle width from narrow to extra wide. Again, one saddle does not fit all horses.

They need dental work annually. Yes, at least once a year. It is not just for older horses. At 5 and 4.5 yrs old, two on my farm had ulcers from sharp points. The 5 yr old was being done annually. Horses can eat nearly 20 to 22 hrs every day. How do you feel when your mouth hurts?

They need training. A stallion needs to be socialized and have excellent manners. Broodmares need to have great ground manners; otherwise, how are you going to handle that foal when it gets here.

Let’s talk about costs now for the annual basics. The following prices used in this example are from a vet based in SC. These prices will vary within the state and from state to state. The following is what my 3 horses get every year.

Farrier: $65.00/trim x 3 = $195.00 on a 6 wk rotation totaling $1690.00 annually
Dental: $125.00 x 3 = $375.00 (includes oral exam & sedation)
Coggins: 45.00 x 3 = $135.00
Vaccines: $97 x 3 = $291.00
Total for all 3 horses = $2686.00 or $895.33 per horse annually

Feed & other costs:
40 # Alfalfa Pellets @ $17.99 feeding 4lbs/day or 120 lbs/mo = $53.97/mo = $647.64/yr
Supplements @ $2/day x 3 = $728.00/yr
Dewormer: Average $18 x 3 horses x 3/yr = 162.00/yr
Total for all 3 horses = $1537.64 or $512.55 per horse annually

Hay from Jan-Dec 2025 = $3450 feeding 9 horses = $383.33/horse (This is the basic hay, not the compressed that one of mine needed additionally.) I’m also very lucky to have adequate pasture and do not need to feed hay year-round.

These figures work out to $1791.21 per horse annually.

Now include fly spray, salt, electrolytes, blankets, and shoes or hoof boots if necessary. Then there’s unplanned vet visits because, well, they are horses! If you’re going to breed, you can tack on another $500 to $1000 or more to that broodmare for breeding and vet fees.

This is what basic care looks like in cold hard cash. The cost of purchasing a horse is the least expensive part of horse ownership. If you want to own a Marsh Tacky or any horse, then you need to be prepared to provide proper care. That horse is entirely dependent on you to provide what it needs. Failing to provide adequate care because “they are easy keepers” is unacceptable. Every time I hear of yet another Marsh Tacky that is under weight, or needs their feet trimmed, or doesn’t have a current Coggins, or is not up to date on vaccines, or has horrible ground manners, or is very obese, I get angry again and again and again. This is NOT saving the Marsh Tacky. We must do better because every Marsh Tacky and every other horse deserves better.

Caroline Knight

09/10/2026

Make sure to buy your tickets now forour Hooves & Heritage Social at the Bock Estate & Venue in Camden, SC, on Oct. 3. DEADLINE FOR TICKET PURCHASES IS SEPT. 28! No tickets will be sold at the door. Buy tickets online at EventBrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cmta-hooves-heritage-social-tickets-1994425013905?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

08/18/2026

Dear Riders, Horse Lovers, and Fair Friends,

The roots of South Carolina are built through shared experiences, cherished traditions, and moments that have brought our community together. This year, as we celebrate the fair theme Rooted in Fun, we honor the timeless connection between people and horses—a partnership built on trust, dedication, and a whole lot of FUN!

The 2026 South Carolina State Fair Youth Horse Show will be held OCTOBER 16-18. Registration is open now through September 1st.

The show includes: Novice/Walk-Jog, Speed Events, Western, Hunter Over Fences, Ranch Ground Handling, Ranch Pleasure, Ranch Riding, and a fun Costume Contest. There is also a South Carolina Farm Bureau Equine Scholarship Program that participants can apply for.

For more information please visit:

Showcase your talents in our Youth Horse Department.

07/18/2026

07/18/2026

We got to tour the venue for the CMTA Hooves & Heritage Social yesterday. The Bock Estate and Venue in Camden, SC, is spectacular, and the owners are amazing. Mark your calendars for Oct. 3! Ticket information to be announced this week.

07/16/2026

📣ATTENTION📣
Mark your calendars and prepare yourselves!
We are excited to announce what formerly was known as Pigs & Pearls is now the CMTA Hooves & Heritage Social! Get ready for an amazing new venue, new menu but the same great time to be had by all. This year’s event will be held at The Bock Estate & Venue in Camden, SC on Oct. 3, 2026. Mark your calendars and stay tuned for more details and information on how to purchase tickets. We can’t wait to see you in Camden.

07/10/2026

We thank Ginger Hipp for the work she has done as a board member of CMTA for the past several years. She is definitely one of the breed's biggest advocates. With her resignation, we are asking for applications from our members to serve on the CMTA Board of Directors. Email [email protected] to receive a PDF version of the application.
Completed applications can be mailed to P.O. Box 14012, Greenville, SC 29610 or email to [email protected].

06/02/2026

Recently commented on a post in a group about cross ties with the quick release or panic snap and a bull snap. First, it really is up to each of us to decide what we want to do in handling our horses. But I will say this. If you’ve owned a horse for longer than 10 seconds, then you know that they WILL find a way to get in trouble and get hurt. If you don’t know that yet, then wait another 10 seconds. SERIOUSLY
1. It is a quick release, NOT a break away. It’s designed to allow a single handled motion to slide the sleeve down releasing the metal tab to spring out. If it actually breaks, then it was due to a structural failure. Read that part again. The metal tab that springs out when released is attached by a pin to the stationary part of the snap. A structural failure will probably occur at that pin unless it is mounted on a swivel which is also a weak point in the design.
2. The bull snap will probably only break at the swivel, The picture shown in the original post shows a bull snap without the extra “thumb” extension which makes them way easier to open. Buy a higher quality tie if you’re going to use them or replace it or add a different kind onto the bull snap which was suggested by quite a few.
3. Whose safety should be the priority? In my barn, human safety is first followed by horse safety to whatever extent I can make that possible. A thrashing, panicked horse is not something we mere mortals should be trying to get near to unhook from a tie mechanism. So, your horse slips, falls, and lays there. Then the quick release on the halter may be better, but if it’s attached to the wall, then you can easily release it again without getting headbutted by a 1000+ lb animal that suddenly realizes it can move. AGAIN, you do you as your hospital bills are your responsibility.
4. The tie is attached to the wall (regardless of which end you choose) by a hay string or a plastic quick release loop. This creates the scenario that was used to illustrate the danger of the tie with a metal end recoiling back towards the horse and causing an eye injury. In this case, it really doesn’t matter which snap is on the halter and which is on the wall. It’s going to release, and your horse now has a nylon strap flailing around. If it manages to get loose entirely, it could very well have 2 flailing straps.
Options:
1. Don’t use cross ties, use Blocker ties or Idolo Tether Ties. Cost is about the same as is the principle. These options can be used to completely replace the use of the traditional cross ties and making the debate irrelevant. Videos are available to show how they are used.
2. If the quick release is mounted too high, a conversation with the barn owner needs to happen. That’s a safety concern by making the quick release obsolete.
3. You can’t reach the quick release if used when hauling. Yes, you can reverse an adjustable trailer tie strap so that the quick release is attached to the Blocker or the Idolo. This lowers the tie device to a height that can be reached. My trailer is not extra tall so I can reach the quick release when attached to the trailer, but a friend of mine can’t in her trailer so this method works.
4. Ultimate option is to make sure your horse does not pull back. Most of you probably did not start your horse. You bought the unicorn hoping that it had great training. Out of 10 horses over the past 50 years, I have 1 currently that I purchased at 16 mos old. He was taught to step forward to release pressure. Only once when a bicyclist came blowing past the trailer and totally surprising him has he ever pulled back. Because he was on a 14 ft lead rope run through a Blocker tie, he spooked and stopped within seconds leaving at least 5 ft of the lead rope still in the Blocker tie. If he had been hard tied, he could have damaged his poll. If he had gotten loose, he could have bolted into the woods or run over someone.

This is posted in the hopes that it helps newcomers to the world of handling horses and answers some questions. Even those of us who gave up on common sense a long time ago and cannot seem to live without these animals in our lives, we are never to old to learn something new. Example, I had never heard about the Idolo Tether Ties. Anyway, go be with your horses and don't forget to turn off the water!

05/27/2026

Colin Drew, whose term expired this year, was voted back onto the CMTA board. He was also voted to return to his officer position as President. Colin has served on the board for multiple terms, with his first term starting in 2021. He became president in 2023. Colin has proven leaderships skills and is dedicated to serving the Marsh Tacky breed. CMTA board member Aubyn Kugler was voted to serve as Secretary. While Aubyn joined the board two years ago, she has been very involved with CMTA events over the years. She is a key supporter for the Marsh Tacky breed. Thanks to both Colin and Aubyn for your hard work.