Get the scoop on local barnyard stars straight from the horse’s mouth

Story by Bailey Gilliam

The Lowcountry is known for its postcard-perfect beaches, championship golf courses and centuries-old charm, but venture beyond the fairways and sandy shores, and you’ll find another kind of magic hiding under the mossy oaks. Here in quiet barns and shady pastures live some of Beaufort County’s most beloved locals: the horses. Each one has a story to tell, a big personality to match and a loyal following of riders, barn mates and admirers who wouldn’t trade them for a Triple Crown winner. From polished show ring pros to pasture comedians, these hooved celebrities are the heart and soul of their stables and their communities. Meet just a few of the many famous horses of Beaufort County, the ones who’ve turned heads, won hearts and left unforgettable hoofprints along the way.

Hilton Head Island

Lawton Stables

Woody

With feathered feet and a gentle spirit, Woody is the picture of Clydesdale charm. At just eight years old, this majestic gelding already has quite the local legacy. Donated by Woody’s Sunglass Shop in Shelter Cove after the passing of beloved mascot Harley, Woody was named in honor of the gift and the community it supports. Since stepping into the spotlight, he’s become a familiar sight at weddings, parades and special events across Sea Pines, a towering ambassador with a kind eye and a heart of gold. Wherever Woody goes, smiles (and photos) follow.

Jetpack

If ever a pony lived up to his name, it’s Jetpack. This 12-year-old bundle of energy is the ultimate pint-sized partner for pony rides, especially for little riders just starting out. He adores children, and the feeling is mutual, especially when he’s decked out in his favorite color, pink. That’s right, Jetpack has a thing for pink gear, which just adds to his undeniable cuteness. His exact breed might be a mystery, but one thing’s certain: Jetpack is pure joy on four hooves.

Romeo

They don’t call him “the prince” for nothing. Romeo, a snow-white Shetland pony with piercing blue eyes, has been gracing Lawton Stables longer than some staff members. Now in his mid-to-late 20s, he’s semi-retired but still shows up for work with the quiet dignity of a royal. Beloved by children for his gentle ways and calm demeanor, Romeo is a legend in the barnyard, though he’s a bit shy around adults. Despite some dental challenges, he remains healthy, happy and every bit the regal little gentleman he’s always been.

Trigger

Trigger is the kind of horse you want beside you in a storm — literally. This handsome Palomino Quarter Horse is in his late 20s and still the hero of Hurricane Matthew in the eyes of the Lawton crew. When the storm hit, Trigger was used for “ponying,” leading the other horses down the road to safety, and he did it with quiet confidence and courage. With his golden coat and steady gaze, he’s the reliable old soul of the barn, a living legend with the kind of bravery you can’t teach and the kind of heart you never forget.

Barnwell Tabby on Squire Pope

Mercedes

At 35 years old, Mercedes is the grand dame of the Barnwell Tabby on Hilton Head Island’s Squire Pope Road, a graceful Quarter Horse mix with a heart as big as her story. She was rescued years ago when her former owner could no longer keep her, and she’s spent her golden years basking in the love of the Barnwell family. Though she’s long since retired from riding, Mercedes still holds court in the pasture, often seen alongside her daughter, Lexus, near the Squire Pope traffic circle. For a time, she even shared her space with a deer that wandered in and decided to stay, proving that Mercedes has a knack for turning strangers into family.

Lexus

Lexus is Mercedes’ loyal sidekick and daughter, a 20-year-old Quarter Horse mix who’s spent every moment of her life on Squire Pope Road. Though she doesn’t have official papers, she’s got something even better: an unbreakable bond with her mom and a heart full of love. Like her mother, Lexus no longer rides, but she’s happy just to be by her side, grazing under the oaks and soaking in the Lowcountry sun. Together, this mother-daughter duo represents the quiet beauty of a life well-lived and deeply loved.

Coastal Discovery Museum

Hawk

At 29 years old, Hawk is a true local hero. Purchased with a grant from the Bargain Box, this sweet-natured Quarter Horse spent years at Heroes on Horseback, helping riders of all ages and abilities gain strength, balance and confidence. Known for his calm demeanor, he was especially beloved by nonverbal children and adults with spinal injuries. Hawk’s legacy includes helping three riders reach the Special Olympics World Summer Games and earning the title of Horse of the Year in 2010 from the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International. After retirement, Hawk found a second calling at the Coastal Discovery Museum at Honey Horn, charming visitors and sharing a pasture with marsh tacky mascot Comet. Now preparing to return to Heroes on Horseback for his final chapter, Hawk continues to inspire all who meet him. 

Bluffton

Rose Hill

Cooper

Small in size but big on heart, Cooper is the resident charmer of Weatherford Barn. This 15-year-old miniature horse knows how to make a grand entrance. Donated alongside his brother to an outdoor residential treatment center, Cooper has worked with a herd of full-size horses to support teens and families through equine-assisted therapy. Calm, steady and always up for a little fun, he thrives on interaction, especially with kids, costumes and anything involving snacks. He has even been spotted stomping divots like a pro during halftime at Rose Hill polo matches and has never met a treat or dress-up day he didn’t enjoy.

Delphine

Delphine doesn’t just enter the arena, she owns it. This 19-year-old Westphalian Show Hunter from Germany is a true head-turner with a bold personality to match her polished form. Equal parts diva and dedicated partner, she brings her best to every ride, especially when bananas are involved. She’s earned championship ribbons at elite shows along the East Coast and comes from an equestrian dynasty, with a Grand Prix show jumper brother owned by the Bloomberg family. At Bills Barn, Delphine is the undisputed queen, and she knows it.

Sissi Deluxe

Sissi Deluxe lives up to her name. This 11-year-old Hannoveraner dressage mare is sassy, stylish and whip-smart. With roots in Germany and a flair for the dramatic, Sissi glides through tests with expressive movement and serious finesse. At home in the McKenzie Barn, she rules the stall row and confidently keeps her pony sidekick in line. She is determined, talented and never afraid to speak her mind.

Martini & Scrap Iron

Martini is a regal 8-year-old American Saddlebred mare bred in Kentucky and born to shine. With three generations of world champions behind her, she carries herself with poise and power. She also holds the title of “super mom.” Her colt, Scrap Iron, was born at Rose Hill and has been stealing hearts at Cambron Barn ever since. With his striking looks, playful spirit, and early sparkle, this little Saddlebred is already on track to follow in his mother’s championship hoofprints.

Tango

Shall We Dance, affectionately known as Tango, is a five-year-old Quarter Horse with a flair for fun. Originally from upstate New York, he brings both talent and personality to the Rose Hill Equestrian Center. Tango is famous for his calm demeanor, trainability and smooth ride. Around the barn, he is known for playing lighthearted pranks on his stall neighbors and making everyone laugh. With a winning combo of charm and skill, Tango is sure to make a splash in the hunter-jumper ring.

Moss Creek Equestrian Center 

Maggie

Maggie is a 15-year-old Quarter Horse-Clydesdale cross with the gentle heart of a therapy horse and the sturdy build to match. She came to Moss Creek five years ago from Virginia, tagging along with her devoted owner who had rescued her three years prior. Once a fearless fox hunter, Maggie has since traded the chase for calm and confidence, now spending her days patiently teaching adult riders and helping support larger therapeutic students. Sweet, wise and always willing, she’s the kind of mare who wins you over with just one nuzzle.

Wish

With his shiny chestnut coat and soulful eyes, Wish is every kid’s dream come true — literally. He was just three years old when his owner made the trip to a Maryland rescue to surprise his 8-year-old daughter with the ultimate birthday gift. Today, Wish is a favorite around the barn, serving double duty as a reliable lesson horse and a steady therapeutic partner. His calm demeanor and big heart make him the kind of horse you wish you could clone.

Piggy

Don’t let the name fool you, Piggy is all horse and all heart. This 15-year-old Quarter Horse gelding made his way from a horse dealer near Atlanta to Moss Creek, where he quickly found his calling as a lesson and therapy horse. He’s been with his owner for four years and is known around the barn as a “good all-around soul.” Whether he’s helping a new rider gain confidence or simply offering a steady presence in the paddock, Piggy is the kind of horse everyone’s happy to have in their corner.

Rose Dhu Equestrian Center

Quincy

Equal parts Olympic hopeful and lovable snack thief, Quincy is an 11-year-old Anglo-European Sport Horse with serious talent and a not-so-serious palate. Bred at the prestigious Okeingham Stud in the UK, this FEI-level competitor has worked his way up the ranks from promising young prospect to international contender. In the ring, he’s all focus and finesse. In the barn? He’s basically a giant golden retriever. Quincy is known for his gentle, affectionate personality, and his very specific snack cravings. Bananas? Yes, please. Ruffles Cheddar & Sour Cream chips? Don’t even think about eating those without sharing. He’s as sweet as he is skilled, and just quirky enough to keep things interesting.

Ed

Standing just a few hands tall but with a personality larger than life, Ed the miniature horse is the unofficial mayor of Rose Dhu. Now eight years old, he came to the barn at just three months to serve as a companion for a partially blind horse, and he’s been stealing hearts ever since. Equal parts greeter, goofball and parade professional, Ed is always up for a grooming session, a bit of play or a hop over an in-hand jump. He’s especially adored by the barn’s youngest visitors and has become a staple at community events. Whether he’s trotting down Main Street or just hanging out with the herd, Ed brings joy wherever he goes.

Newbie

If ever a horse earned legendary status, it’s Newbie. The longest-standing resident of Rose Dhu, this 20-year-old one-eyed wonder has become a symbol of strength, sweetness and second chances. A retired show horse, Newbie defied all odds to survive a life-threatening illness after being given a heartbreaking prognosis. Now fully retired and thriving, he spends his days showering visitors with affection and basking in well-deserved adoration. Nicknamed the “one-eyed wonder unicorn,” Newbie is as gentle as they come, a golden retriever in horse form, with a heart as big as the paddocks he calls home.

Longfield Stables 

Bravo

Bravo isn’t just a horse, he’s a local legend with hooves. This 18-year-old Marsh Tacky is one of the longest-standing and most beloved members of the Longfield herd, and there’s truly nothing he can’t do. Trail rides? He’s your guy. Cross-country course? He’s got it. Parades and demos? Been there, rocked that. He’s even played the Headless Horseman’s mount during Halloween, and looked fantastic doing it. Bravo has the kind of calm, kind spirit that instantly puts riders at ease, whether they’re in the saddle or simply stopping by to offer a peppermint or horse cookie. A true ambassador for his rare and storied breed, Bravo lives up to his name every single day.

Winter

Winter may be 28, but she’s still the heart of the herd and the ultimate introduction to equine friendship. This darling Pony of the Americas is many visitors’ very first interaction with a horse, and she makes every moment count. She’s best known for her role in the ever-popular “paint the pony” activity, where she stands patiently while artists of all ages transform her into a four-legged canvas. With her easygoing attitude, love of peppermints, and occasional fondness for vanilla cupcakes, Winter has earned a loyal fan base and a reputation as one of the kindest ponies around. She’s the perfect mix of gentle soul and steady presence.

Big Mama

Don’t let her size fool you, Big Mama is all sweetness and snuggles. This 20-year-old Draft Cross came down from Pennsylvania after a career as a cart horse, and she’s quickly become a trail favorite at Longfield. Towering and steady, she’s the kind of “gentle giant” who is trusted with even the tiniest of first-time riders. Her soft eyes, calming energy and famously floppy bottom lip make her an instant favorite with both guests and staff. When she’s not showing someone the trail, you’ll usually find her grazing side-by-side with her bestie, Belle, in the pasture. She may be new to the barn compared to some, but Big Mama already feels like family.

Heroes on Horseback

Angel

True to her name, Angel is a 15-year-old Percheron mare with a heart as big as her hooves. Once an Amish carriage horse, this gentle giant now brings her quiet strength to the Heroes on Horseback program, where she serves riders in therapeutic sessions, Special Olympics and veteran outreach. At 16 hands tall, Angel is both strong and serene, a steady presence for those who need extra support, including riders who mount via ramps. She’s the kind of horse who instantly puts you at ease, patiently waiting for each rider to settle in and shining in her role as a healer with hooves.

Willow

Willow may stand just 14.3 hands tall, but her impact is anything but small. This 14-year-old Quarter Horse mare is the definition of calm, cool and collected. With her compact, sturdy frame and endlessly patient demeanor, she’s a perfect partner for young children and riders with physical challenges, offering security and confidence in every step. Whether she’s participating in mounted sessions or simply standing quietly for grooming during a ground lesson, Willow does it all with quiet grace. She’s not flashy, she’s faithful, and that’s exactly why everyone adores her.

Daufuskie Island

The Equestrian Center at Haig Point

Farley

Farley is the kind of pony every kid dreams of: patient, playful and always ready to ride. This 20-year-old Welsh Arabian has become a living legend on Daufuskie Island, known for his gentle nature and willingness to do it all. Whether he’s carefully toting around tiny beginners or clearing jumps with more advanced students, Farley never misses a beat. He’s the kind of steady soul who builds confidence and wins hearts, and he’s got a long list of young fans to prove it.

Jake

With one blue eye and one brown, Jake is the George Clooney of the barn, ruggedly handsome and effortlessly cool. At 22, this Paint Quarter Horse has traded the dressage arena for scenic strolls through Haig Point’s trails, where he soaks up the island breeze and attention in equal measure. Calm, collected and a total gentleman, Jake is the definition of “island time,” proving that retirement can look pretty darn good when you’ve earned it.

Indie

Indie is the utility player every barn dreams of — versatile, unflappable and always game for whatever’s next. At 17, this Appendix gelding has built an impressive resume: he’s tackled hunter and jumper courses, gone western, hit the trails and joined countless hunter paces. These days, he’s shining in his role as a top-notch lesson horse for both kids and adults. Mellow, kind and endlessly patient, Indie brings his A-game to every ride, wrapped in a sweet personality that makes him a fast favorite with everyone who meets him.

Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society

Lowther’s Lucero (Louie)

Louie isn’t just any horse, he’s a living legacy. As the prized stallion of the Daufuskie Marsh Tacky Society, this handsome bay dun roan is the backbone of the island’s effort to preserve one of South Carolina’s rarest treasures. Handpicked in 2014 from a line sired by the famous Hershey at DP Lowther’s farm in Ridgeland, Louie brought more than good genes to Daufuskie, he brought history full circle. In 2024, he became the proud father of the first Marsh Tacky foals born on the island in more than 40 years. With his compact build, strong short back, signature dorsal stripe, zebra markings and thick double mane, Louie is the textbook image of the breed. But it’s his calm demeanor and gentlemanly manners that truly make him stand out, whether he’s greeting visitors, winning hearts at events or charming the mares during breeding season. Louie carries not only the traits of his ancestors, but also the future of the Marsh Tacky breed, and he does it all with quiet pride and a swish of that trademark tail.

Okatie

Oldfield Equestrian Center

Sophie

Miss Sassy Sophie may be 28, but don’t let her age fool you, she’s still got plenty of spark. This double-registered American Quarter Horse and Paint Horse mare hails from the wide-open spaces of Nevada, where she once worked cattle, ruled the trails and showed off in Ranch Horse Versatility competitions. Since joining her current owner in 2015, Sophie has become the queen of the lesson ring at Oldfield, patiently guiding everyone from tiny first-timers on pony rides to competitive riders in hunter paces and jumper rings. After teaching hundreds, she’s not just a schoolmaster, she’s a heart horse in every sense.

Marty

Meet Marty, a miniature Sicilian donkey, Oldfield’s official mascot and a certified scene-stealer. This pint-sized personality has been part of the Oldfield family since 2015, winning over hearts at children’s programs, summer camps and even weddings. Calm, cool and endlessly photogenic, Marty brings smiles wherever he goes. And yes, he even has a signature cocktail named after him at the golf club, the Marty Mule. At 25, Marty’s still going strong and showing no signs of slowing down.

Silver King

Regal in name and nature, Silver King is a 26-year-old Oldenburg gelding with a heart as big as his stature. A former third-level dressage competitor from Virginia, he moved to Bluffton with his longtime rider, now a marine biologist and children’s author, and has been holding court at Oldfield ever since. Known as the gentle giant, King loves greeting visitors (especially the grandkids) and is rarely seen without his best pals: Hambone and Charlotte the potbellied pigs and his loyal flock of chickens. A horse with a soft spot for smaller creatures and big hugs, King truly lives up to his noble name.

Beaufort

Sea Island Carriage Company 

Angus

Angus is a 16-year-old English Shire with movie-star looks and a comedic streak a mile wide. With his striking black-and-white coat and impressive feathering, he could easily be mistaken for a Clydesdale, and he knows it. Originally from Tennessee, Angus has spent the past eight years charming visitors with his camera-ready appearance and deadpan sense of humor. He’s not one for cuddles, but he’s a pro at posing, especially if there’s a treat involved. And yes, he’s got a notorious talent for barnyard sound effects. Let’s just say his flatulence has become legendary, much to the delight (and giggles) of his fans. If there’s a cookie in your hand, Angus is your best friend. If not, well… he might just walk away with a snort.

Kit & Kat

Double the fluff, double the fun. Kit and Kat are the only working horse duo in Beaufort, and they turn heads wherever they go. These affectionate teenage Percherons, a proud French draft breed, started their careers as Amish plow horses and now live the good life on a 62-acre farm with the Sea Island Carriage Company. They’re inseparable besties with a flair for fashion: their hooves are often decked out in glitter, adding a little sparkle to every stroll. Nicknamed the “girly girls of the barn,” Kit and Kat are as sweet as they are strong, and their synchronized steps and matching personalities make every carriage ride feel like a fairytale.

Southurn Rose Carriage Tours

Maximus (Max)

At nearly 20 hands tall, Maximus is the gentle giant of Southurn Rose. He’s part tour guide, part class clown and all heart. This 14-year-old Percheron was adopted from the Amish and has spent the last nine years delighting guests with his quirky charm. Max knows every twist and turn of the tour, including the local legend of William Hazard Wig and his horse, Independence. And if the driver skips the story? Max will winny on cue, like a four-legged fact-checker. He’s mastered the art of slow strolling (he practically sleepwalks the route) and has a knack for tripping carriage lights just right. Best of all, Max has a soft spot for kids, earning him plenty of pats and loyal fans after every ride.

Wyatt

Wyatt, a 10-year-old Belgian named after the legendary Wyatt Earp, is as curious as he is charming, and maybe a little vain. He can’t pass a reflective window without checking himself out and softly winnying, as if saying, “Yep, still handsome.” Whether he’s watching other horses or people, Wyatt always wants to know what’s going on, even if it means nearly walking into a lamppost. On tour, he’s fast and eager, always hoping for a detour just to see what’s around the next corner. And if you ignore him? He’ll gently insert his head into your conversation. With his nosy nature and endearing antics, Wyatt is impossible to forget.

Link

If Link were a person, he’d be the quirky friend who always steals the spotlight (and maybe your snacks). This 10-year-old Percheron, also adopted from the Amish, lives up to his video game namesake with a personality that’s pure entertainment. His signature move? Randomly sticking out his tongue at passing carriages, and yes, he expects you to do it back. He’s also obsessed with Spanish moss, often snagging it from branches like a snack bar on the go and he has a not-so-subtle rivalry with a local heron that he glares down on every tour. Link is picky about his treats (only Honeycrisp apples, thank you very much), refuses anything grape-flavored and will flat-out reject peppermints. But give him the right snack and a little sass, and he’ll give you a ride you won’t forget.