The historic hillside carving of the Osmington White Horse, created in 1808 as a tribute for George III, has almost vanished after being left untreated for three years during the pandemic.
The chalk figure, depicting George III riding his charger Adonis, was created as a nod to the monarch's enjoyment of visiting the nearby beach town of Weymouth in Dorset.
However, the huge 280ft by 320ft carving has now blended into its green surroundings.
The monument, which has long been a tourist attraction, requires annual spraying and other maintenance to prevent weed growth and maintain its distinctive white colour.
But it has emerged the figure has not been sprayed since 2019 due to the Covid pandemic and the local council no longer has a budget for its upkeep.
Local resident Geoffrey Codd, 90, who was formerly chairman of the Osmington White Horse Restoration Project in 2011, said the the carving was in a 'sorry, dreary' state.
He added: 'Before the restoration project in 2011 the horse was in a sorry state and despite all our efforts back then it is the same today.
'It is a shame to see the horse looking so dreary and worn out. It is such an important piece of Dorset’s heritage, and unique in a number of factors.
The white horse is usually distinctive, as shown following its most recent restoration project (left). but has now faded and has nearly vanished (right)
The Osmington White Horse can be viewed from the sea and from the nearby seaside town of Weymouth when at its most prominent
