And they call the horse 'Mariah'

Photos provided Mariah, a newborn Marsh Tacky horse, was born during a thunderstorm April 20. Janson Cox, the director of the South Carolina Cotton Museum, said her name is based on folklore which says the wind is called Mariah.

By RANDY BURNS
Item Staff Writer
rburns@theitem.com

BISHOPVILLE - The executive director of the South Carolina Cotton Museum has an appreciation for history and doesn't like seeing valuable resources going by the wayside.

Janson Cox, who has been the director of the museum for about 12 years, is also the owner and operator of the Dragoon Horse Farm in Rembert.

Among his five horses at the farm is a newborn filly Marsh Tacky, born around noon on April 20 during a thunderstorm with wind gusts of about 35 mph.

"Based on folklore, the wind is called Mariah," Cox said. "Thus the origin of the name I have given her. I considered High Noon and Muley, but I think Mariah is a good girl's name."

While the birth of any farm animal is a big event, Cox is particularly proud of Mariah.

"The Marsh Tacky is in danger of extinction," he said. "There are about 150 nationwide, and 100 are in South Carolina. There are about six new births a year."

Cox would like to see the population of Marsh Tackys climb to about 1,000.

"That's a number that would put us past the danger point," he said. "The Marsh Tacky is a very important horse in our state's history."

The horse was thought to be extinct during the 1980s and 1990s, Cox said. It is an ancient breed of Spanish origin. Marsh Tackys roamed the coast of South Carolina for hundreds of years, he said.

Cox would like to see the Marsh Tacky chosen as the state horse.

Since her mother, Molly, is 18 years old, he doesn't think there will be too many additions to the Marsh Tacky population at his farm in the immediate future.

On Thursday, Molly took Mariah for a stroll around the fence line of the farm's lower pasture, Cox said.

"The vet has examined Mariah and said that she is fine," he said. "And Molly is in excellent shape. She does not look any different. Of course, she is very protective."

Mariah's appearance is striking, Cox said.

"She does not have a single spot of white," Cox said. "The dark stripe down the back is broad and dark. Her legs are straight, and her eyes are clear. Her mouth - inside and out - is perfect."

Mother and daughter are able to accept visitors, Cox said.

"Everyone is welcome to come visit Mariah at 467 Baynard Boykin Road in Rembert," he said.



Contact Staff Writer Randy Burns at rburns@theitem.com or (803) 491-4533.