Although the horse tack still needs to be gleaming and in perfect condition, the horses and ponies in the new 'scarred or blemished' horse show class at Cricklands do not.

Held later this month, the Welsh show is controversially introducing a new class in its 'Showing Spectacular. The two organisers of the event, Fran Moore and Chrissy Chambers came up with the idea after deciding that scarred or less than perfect horses should be given a second chance.

Any horse is eligible in the class whether they have scars, half a tail or even one eye, but they must be 100% sound and healthy.

The show has been met with mixed opinions from equestrian circles as some people feel that the class undermines the whole point of showing while others believe it is a brilliant opportunity to bring perfectly capable horses into the show ring.

A spokesperson for the British Show Horse Association told Horse and Hound that whilst such classes are common at fun shows, it was not a concept they would persue.

Cricklands will have 12 "all but perfect" classes, including best turned out, best ex-racehorse, best coloured horse and best rescued horse or pony."

The horses will be judged on conformation, manners and suitability but blemishes will be ignored. Owners will still have to get out the grooming kit before the class to ensure their horse is looking its best as well as using the leather soap to get the horse tack looking nice and shiny.