Originally from the marshy areas of South Carolina's Atlantic coast, the Marsh Tacky horse breed is now found all over the world. The word "tacky," which originally referred to a common or unremarkable horse, is where the name "Marsh Tacky" comes from.

These horses are known for their resilience, adaptability, and hardiness in the challenging marshy environments they inhabit. Marsh Tackies range in size from about 13 to 15 hands (52 to 60 inches) in height.

They come in various colors, although solid colors such as bay, black, and gray are common. These horses have a special talent for finding their way through South Carolina's wetlands and along the coast.

Their stamina and strength made them useful for herding cattle, hunting, and transporting goods across difficult terrain. Changes in land use and a decline in the breed's popularity in recent years have both threatened the survival of Marsh Tackies.

Because of their historical and cultural significance to the state of South Carolina, conservation efforts have been made to protect this rare horse breed. .