AS THE ramp was lowered at the neighbouring trailer during a recent show, the surprise didn’t come from the Welsh cob which emerged from the trailer but rather a splendid driving vehicle which followed soon after him.

Given that it is generally a rare sight these days at local events, it was all the more surprising since there were no driving classes on the schedule. So why the vehicle?

Needless to say the cob was taking part in the showing classes, however the answer became clear during the conversation which ensued – but who would have guessed?

As explained by the industrious mother of the whip (driver) it was the first stage in preparing the splendid original green and yellow dog cart for the Royal Highland Show.

Such was the extent of their busy diary, it seemed to be an excellent opportunity to give it a comprehensive clean following a recent drive at Balmoral, despite the fact that the show was more than two weeks away. With plenty of polish, clean dusters and a large amount of elbow grease, it wasn’t long before the paint work and patent leather fittings were shining in the summer sun. With only the brasses to be burnished nearer the competition day, one box of many had been ticked by this exhibitor destined for the Ingliston show. I was impressed.

Having competed in the driving class at the Royal Highland myself many years ago, I well remember the preparation involved. However, I confess to never having been as well organised as this team.

In terms of how my vehicle looked, I am sure it showed, for this one looked immaculate in comparison to mine. It is all the more remarkable that the heavy horse teams appear in such wonderful condition for competition, for their effort is more than four-fold and no doubt they will be a spectacle to draw in the crowds once more at the show.

In all aspects of competition, it’s all about attention to detail, as well as dedication, two characteristics which set winners apart from the rest.

The former can be taught, but not the latter for that it something that comes from within. Worryingly, the experienced teachers are rapidly diminishing in number and there appears to few young learners prepared to dedicate time and effort to learning the craft and committing to competition.

Having come from a lifetime in education, where the egalitarians and psychologists have denounced the merits of competition in favour of the ‘even playing field’, I wonder if the move away from competition in the class room is having its impact later in life?

With the way things are currently going, there may be little opportunity for competition as the volunteers just don’t seem to be coming forward to help out as they did in the past and it would seem this is the case across many disciplines and not only equestrian.

As a result, the current discussion live on social media platforms about the worrying reduction in numbers taking part at shows may well be redundant if there are no events to attend.

Social media itself can surely carry some of the blame, or at least those who use it. In time, researchers may well focus on its effects on society as a whole, particularly in the area of mental health.

The constant bombardment of information in all that is good in the lives of some people may well have a detrimental effect on that of others whose aspirations can’t realistically compete. Holidays abroad, trips to concerts, meals out, smart clothes and championship rosettes may be a snapshot for family and so-called ‘friends’. Added to the abundance of pouting lips and ‘selfies’, I wonder how many smiles such postings bring to faces by comparison to frowns.

While the merits of social media can be easily identified, its use for self-promotion on a grand scale by some users may well be the reason why exhibitors old and new are opting to stay at home.

Could it be that photographs of exhibits posted before a show are there to put others off going, or are they there to influence judges who are about to judge them? Unlike the ‘old days’ when exhibitors allowed a second party to extol the virtues of their horse or pony, this is unashamedly being done by exhibitors themselves today. Additionally, the cynic in me questions the appearance of recent prize winners

being posted online a few days before the Royal Highland? What is this all about? Keeping friends and family abreast of recent events?

There is also the platform now created by social media for those who want to moan about something, justified or otherwise, whose very posting sets a seed in the mind of others not in a position to decide for themselves. Then there are those who take great pleasure in publicly ‘having a go’ at others but remain nameless or are cute enough to criticise by implication rather than directly.

Arguably, it creates ‘opportunities for all’ but is this the type of society the afore-mentioned egalitarians are seeking to create and develop?

At the end of the day, adults are responsible for their own actions, involvement or otherwise in social media included. What worries me is the impact it may be having on youngsters whose developing minds may be overly influenced by social media in particular and the internet in general.

Could it partly explain the small numbers of young people I have seen participate at recent shows? Where are the copious numbers of children on ponies which we saw at every show only a few years ago. And, as a result, where are the families who spent a day out together competing in friendly rivalry with other like-minded families?

Thankfully, the Royal Highland Show still brings out the volunteers who tend to keep their helper/stewarding outfits in the wardrobe during the rest of the year. (It’s amazing how an official badge and a good free lunch brings out the generosity in human effort).

Long may the Highland also attract competitors in large numbers whose intent, for the main part, is focussed on taking part, rather than winning a red rosette since in reality there are so few of them at stake.

Hopefully, the social media warriors will hold back their criticisms this year and identify all that is good about the show to share with their ‘friends’ and family.