Bowlers may not be ‘quite the thing’ after all
Popular perception is that the well-groomed men in dark suits and bowler hats, with black umbrellas dangling from their arms, are the chaps.
They are to be seen in their sartorial elegance as they go about their official duties in the manicured arenas or guiding horses around the rings at every show in Ballsbridge.
On the other hand, the lads are always deemed to be those men with weather beaten faces, sports jackets and country-set caps leaning against the rails as they watch the judging of the classes with a keen and knowing interest.
But it emerged at the 135th show yesterday that in historical terms the perceived chaps are actually the lads.
That was enough to almost spoil a jolly good show for those who have turned the wearing of the bowler into a fine art.
They know when to raise the celebrated bowler in polite gestures to any ladies in their presence and to balance it precariously on top of free standing umbrellas during breaks from their official duties.
However, many people look upon the bowler as an old world symbol of elitism that has no place in a modern sporting arena.
Yet, a show programme published by the Royal Dublin Society for a previous show actually claims that the bowler hat does not signify any sort of elitism and that the opposite is in fact the case.
It explains that when rich landowners came to the show back in the 1920s and 1930s they would also bring their servants to handle their horses.
“The members of the landed gentry distinguished themselves from the lower classes by wearing silk top hats. Only the employees wore bowlers,” it claims.
There weren’t any silk top hats at the show yesterday but the tradition of the black bowler has somewhat survived.
And that’s despite a theory that US President John F Kennedy helped get rid of the gentleman’s hat when he delivered his inauguration address without head garb all those years ago.
However, many people who show horses believe it is still important that dress code, manner and politeness are retained at big events.
A veteran visitor to the Ballsbridge showpiece put the view in earthy terms: “Sure, you couldn’t have a man dragging a horse into the ring with a rope and a pair of wellies”.
Indeed, the official programme for this year’s show outlines what it describes as good hat etiquette for men — the rules their grandfathers lived by.
“Always tip your hat to a lady. Always take your hat off when you’re sitting down in company, indoors or outdoors, and always take off your hat when entering a building,” the guidelines declare.
There was also advice for ladies who have been wearing hats for centuries, with even a Sex and the City linked re-assurance: “Even if you don’t consider yourself a typical hat person, this summer’s trends are certain to bring out the Carrie Bradshaw in you.”
Elegance and poise are not confined to the show visitors and officials, however, as a stroll around the Dublin 4 show grounds disclose. The horses and ponies also look splendid. And little wonder.
Grooms are up and about since daylight each morning ensuring the equines entering the showing rings are as well-groomed as the humans.
Many of the animals are washed, shampooed, rinsed and dried the night before to give their coats an attractive shine, with the final cosmetic touches being applied after they are fed in the mornings.
Tails and manes are combed, platted and pleated. Hoof oil is applied to create a gloss and minor blemishes are masked and positive characteristics highlighted.
It is all part of the modern showing scene, but some traditionalists remain unimpressed. For a wise woman once said: “The good points of a horse should come out with the mere rub of a cloth – just like quality furniture.”
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