Swamp Fox Trot, Not Quite a Dancing Horse

Mary Tefft White Cultural Center, University Library

Marsh Tacky horses have been preferred equines to use in the rural and primarily low country areas of the southeastern United States since colonial times. Hunters and riders of all ages have noted how easy it is to ride these horses for hours and not become uncomfortable. Breeders have argued that they are a smooth riding horse, yet there have been no definitive studies as to address this particular attribute of the Marsh tacky horse until the late 2000’s. The initial study found the Marsh Tacky horse has a single-foot gait, now called the Swamp Fox Trot. Further examination of this gait and how it has gone unidentified is the focus of our research. These horses appear to have an uncanny knowledge of their environment and ability to maneuver throughout complex terrain without tiring.