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October 2016
Carolina Marsh Tacky (Continued from Previous Page)
Tough as Pine Knots
In 1846 notable naturalist John James Audubon wrote that
the Marsh Tacky is as “tough as a Pine knot.” The expression is
still used today. Marsh Tackies don’t flee when the unexpected
happens and adapt easily to new situations. As rider Wylie Bell
said in South Carolina Wildlife Magazine, “They don’t panic
when they get wrapped up in briars or when they are mired in a
bog up to their chest. Like little bulldozers, they push through
whatever you ask them to. Marsh Tackies are not big horses, but
they ride big. They have huge hearts and sharp minds, and for
people who own them, they’ll be that horse of a lifetime.”
Meet Molly, Today’s Marsh Tacky Ambassador
In the spring of 2011 a small bay Marsh Tacky Horse entered
the Marsh Tacky Beach Races at Hilton Head, and astounded
everyone with her performance. True to the determination and
spirit of her rare breed, Molly proved her worth. Her story is told
in Beach Race Champion: A Marsh Tacky Tale.
At the Oct. 29 Kiawah Cup, spectators will have a chance to meet
Molly who, at age 23, was the oldest horse to have won a beach
race. Now 28, Molly’s accomplishments don’t stop there. Owner
Janson Cox and Molly perform revolutionary war reenactments.
The pair are frequent visitors at schools. Molly appeared in the
ETV film about Francis Marion, Chasing the Swamp Fox, and
has been named an honorary member of three South Carolina
Daughters of the Revolution chapters. She proudly wears her
membership pin on her halter. Janson and Molly will run the
CMTA flag during opening ceremonies at the Cup, and will
walk the race course along the rail, giving spectators a chance to
greet Molly personally.
Source Credits: Carolina Marsh Tacky Association; Carolina Equestrian
Photo Credt: Jackie McFadden Photography
Release Your Inner Tacky with the Tacky Hat Competition!
Want to celebrate the Marsh
Tacky during the Kiawah
Cup? Take the Tacky out
of your heart and put it on
your hat with the Tacky Hat
competition!
Attendees will pick the
winners with applause and
ribbons will be given to the
first, second and third place
winners. Wear a tacky hat
yourself or support your
favorite at the race!
Support the Kiawah Cares Foundation at the Kiawah Cup
There’s going to be a lot of excitement at the Kiawah Cup.
But the best reason to attend is to support the Kiawah Cares
Foundation (KCF). Kiawah Cares is KICA’s commu nity
outreach program, working with seniors, students, veterans and
others in need. A portion of your ticket price will contribute to
KCF’s only mission: improving the quality of life for our most
vulnerable neighbors on the Sea Islands.
When an EF-2 tornado cut a path of destruction through Johns
Island, KCF donors helped raise $7,000 to aid homeowners
who could not afford the costly repairs to their damaged homes.
Miss Harriett, one of these homeowners, wrote “I am grateful
for the work Kiawah Cares has done for me. The words 'thank
you' pale in comparison to the gratitude that my heart feels.”
This summer, donors demonstrated their dedication to the
education of Sea Island children by funding three education
initiatives. With $30,000, KCF helped fund a ground-breaking
summer math and reading program at Angel Oak Elementary,
provided materials to help stave off summer learning loss for
students at Frierson Elementary and secured a full year of books
for 300 children through the Begin With Books foundational
literacy program.
Each year, Kiawah Cares provides new uniforms for young
learners, partners with the Kiawah Women’s Foundation which
provides healthy weekend snacks, and delivers hundreds of
Christmas gifts to children who would otherwise have little.
Through fundraising events like the Kiawah Cup, you can help
KCF continue to make the future brighter for all Sea Island
residents. Tickets are available at kiawahcup.org. If you can’t
attend but would like to help, donations may be made at
kiawahcares.org.