GETTY • FILE PIC Owners are using make-up on their horses to dupe judges in equine competitions

Show horse owners are plastering them with make-up including equine foundation and highlighter gel, while giving them fake manes and tails. Beauty products are not banned but the president of the British Show Horse Association slams the trend. David Tatlow, 76, a retired horse breeder, said: “I hate this make-up nonsense. I find it abhorrent. People are trying to pull the wool over the judges’ eyes.”

“It’s sort of cheating because instead of grooming horses properly, they use this make-up.” Winning competitions can see the value of show horses increase tens of thousands of pounds.

NC The horses are being enhanced with mascara and foundation

GETTY Many contestants feel using beauty products on horses is cheating

Contests culminate in the autumn with the Horse of the Year Show. Mr Tatlow added: “The judges fall for it, especially the uninitiated ones. I’ve won the Horse of the Year 42 times and never felt the need to plaster my horses with bloody mascara. “Parents are listening too much to their children. It’s the little girls who are asking for it.”

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