Bill > HB466

This bill designates the marsh tacky horse as the official Georgia heritage horse breed, recognizing its significant historical importance to the state. The legislation highlights the breed's long-standing presence in Georgia since the 1500s, noting its use by diverse groups including Indigenous nations, European settlers, and the Maroon and Gullah communities. The bill emphasizes the horse's historical significance, such as its use by General Francis "Swamp Fox" Marion during the Revolutionary War and its role as the predominant stock horse in the southeastern United States until the 1930s. The marsh tacky horse is currently listed as "critical" by the Livestock Conservancy, with fewer than 2,000 horses remaining, which underscores the importance of recognizing and preserving this breed. By officially designating the marsh tacky horse as the state's heritage horse breed, the legislation aims to acknowledge and celebrate its unique cultural and historical contributions to Georgia's heritage, while also drawing attention to the breed's endangered status and the need to preserve this important part of the state's living history.

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https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70354