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TO AMEND THE CODE OF LAWS OF SOUTH CAROLINA, 1976, BY ADDING SECTION 1-1-710 SO AS TO DESIGNATE THE MARSH TACKY AS THE OFFICIAL STATE HORSE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the State of South Carolina:
SECTION 1. Chapter 1, Title 1 of the 1976 Code is amended by adding:
"Section 1-1-710. (A) The General Assembly finds:
(1) the Marsh Tacky is a horse with a unique history in South Carolina;
(2) the Marsh Tacky is an almost forgotten breed of horse in our State. Once existing in feral herds on the barrier islands and mainland of South Carolina's Lowcountry, they have played a unique and pivotal role in the history of our State;
(3) various theories exist as to the origin of the Marsh Tacky in South Carolina;
(4) during the 1800's, Marsh Tackys captured wild from South Carolina's barrier islands were trained as children's mounts, to pull buggies, to plow fields, and also were considered to be excellent mounts for hunting wild game because of their endurance, level-headedness, and ability to navigate marsh bogs without sinking;
(5) modern development of this state's barrier islands slowly forced the Marsh Tacky's removal from the wild places their breed had lived for more than three hundred years. Once existing by the hundreds on Hilton Head Island during the 1940's and 1950's they are virtually unknown to the present day inhabitants;
(6) pure Marsh Tackys now exist only in small numbers, and presently there is only one known herd being carefully preserved in our State;
(7) much is owed to this determined breed of horse that helped people settle South Carolina when it was still a dangerous frontier;
(8) the Marsh Tacky rightfully deserves a place of honor in our memories as well as to be preserved for future generations in South Carolina.
(B) The Marsh Tacky is designated as the official State Horse of South Carolina."
SECTION 2. This act takes effect upon approval by the Governor.
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