Questions over whether the markings were changed on an intermediate large riding horse have prompted an investigation by the British Show Pony Society (BSPS).
Daldorn Racing Bow (pictured right), owned by Adam Winbourne, had a star and one white sock when shown at the Royal International in July.
But at the BSPS Summer Championships in August the horse had no sock. And at the British Show Horse Association National Championships in September both the star and sock seemed to have disappeared.
The discrepancy led to a complaint to the BSPS and a flurry of comments on the Horsegossip website.
Karen Ward of the BSPS confirmed the issue will be discussed by the society’s committee on 15 November. But she did not wish to comment further.
Mr Winbourne also declined to talk to H&H but on his Facebook page said: “Crime A, a horse with a few white hairs being whitened! Crime B, blackener running down legs in rain OMG! Get a life freaks!”
Under BSPS and BSHA rules horses must be shown as they appear on their passport or Joint Measurement Board certificate.
This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse and Hound (3 November, 2011)