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Bob & Bette Smales
Little did they know that when the youngest of their 3 children got hooked on eventing over twenty years ago, they too would begin a career in the sport spanning the years from then to today. Bette and Bob Smales are beloved fixtures at Groton House tirelessly serving the GHF Horse Trials and the sport.
Bette, secretary at Flying Horse Farm, quickly moved into and mastered the complexities of combined training scoring. From her chief scorer's post in the "popcorn cart", she multiplied dressage scores by the requisite coefficient, deciphered rain splattered cross-country jump score sheets, and in the final climactic moments of competition added those dropped rail stadium penalties to calculate the final standings and ribbon winners.
Bob's position was the more visible. As Chief Timer, many an anxious rider poised in the Start Box remembers the words of encouragement that came with the signal to start. Each and every rider was sent off with personalized wishes: "Have a good ride". Later, as one of the Directors of Competition, Bob conscientiously and meticulously addressed contract and safety issues.
We at Groton House have been told that Bette and Bob are "officially" retired from the Organizing Committee. Bob is now retired as Vice-president of Electric Insurance Company, and the Smales are spending time in Florida and with 7 grandchildren. Bette continues to volunteer at the Hamilton-Wenham Community House. Looking around, however, we still find them sneaking back from Florida early to help out whenever and wherever needed. Daughter Alison is on grounds as well, catering the volunteer food and the ever popular wine and cheese in stabling. Bob and Bette emeritus? Fortunately for everyone at Groton House, that's a word their generous spirit simply doesn't understand."
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