(AP) -- A racing tradition that faded four decades ago is returning to the South Carolina coast this weekend.
On Sunday, amid new interest in preserving marsh tackies, the first Gullah Celebration Marsh Tacky run is being held on Hilton Head Island.
It's part of the 13th annual Gullah Celebration highlighting the culture of descendants of sea island slaves.
The marsh tackies developed from horses left by Spanish explorers. They are suited to long hours in the swamps and humidity, and are ideal for hunting because they don't spook easily.
There are only about 150 left but breeders hope to increase that number to 1,000.
Winter races featuring tackies were once a tradition on the coast, but the last races were held back in the 1960s.
(Copyright ©2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
TV Station Profiles & Public Inspection Files forWACH