By Britney Grover
Photo by David Butterworth
Bob Bell became the owner of Sidelines when he purchased the magazine from founder Samantha Charles in 2016—but he is perhaps even better known for his Classic Company horse shows and his 35-year career behind the scenes of equestrian sport.
Though he’s known for bringing Southern hospitality to his horse shows, Bob grew up in Florham Park, New Jersey. The Southern charm came naturally when he attended Clemson University in South Carolina, and he never went back. Now, he lives in Fort Lauderdale and Charleston—and is excited to spend a lot of time at his recently purchased home in Bar Harbor, Maine.
In addition to running his horse shows, Bob is still a licensed USEF Steward and continues to serve on several sport governance boards. But as he prepares to celebrate his 70th birthday next year—which surprises many who know him—he’s needing a change of pace, including passing the Sidelines torch. “This coming year I have 11 weeks of horse shows to manage—nine years ago, I had 21 weeks of shows. I’m slowing down,” he said. “I just sold Sidelines, and it was a hard decision since I loved working on the magazine each month. But it’s time to move on and head towards retirement. I’m thrilled to be leaving Sidelines in such great hands.”
How did your career in the horse industry start?
I met Carol and Lawrence Kent—Laura Kraut’s parents—at a horse show in Savannah, Georgia. They were looking for someone to help in the horse show office, and I had computer knowledge. I helped with that show, and then went to Venice the following week. The next thing I knew, I was traveling every week as a show secretary—then one day Mrs. Kent told me I was going to start managing horse shows! I told her, “That would be great, but how does one start that?” She told me I had a job in Tryon, North Carolina, with Irene Acker to manage the fall show at FENCE. From there, I had more offers.
Any favorite horses over the years?
I loved watching Protocol and Arc de Triomphe, way back when. The Regular Working Hunter classes were always my favorite to watch—I hated it when USHJA got rid of that prestigious division. Only a true athlete (horse) could jump a 4-foot fence in perfect hunter form.
If you could tell every rider one thing, what would it be?
Your horse comes first. He depends on you for everything.
What funny horse moment still makes you laugh?
Years ago I was a steward at a fall show in North Carolina, and I was watching the schooling area for a Hunter Classic with $50,000 in prize money. Outside the ring, I saw a horse just standing by himself by the porta johns, but didn’t give it another thought. The last horse before water and drag finished schooling and headed out of the ring, and the tractor and water truck entered. The water truck backfired; the horse standing by himself spooked and pulled the porta john over. Apparently, the lady in the porta john was holding the horse by the reins! With the porta john on its side and the horse galloping back to its stall, a top hunter rider climbed out: Her breeches were blue, her hair was blue and she was laughing and crying at the same time. She went on to win the Classic, and remembering the presentation makes me laugh to this day—and wonder what she was thinking to hold the reins while in the porta john!
Outside of horses, what do you like to do?
I love boating: cruising, sailing or just reading on a boat.
Do you have a personal motto or catch phrase?
You can sleep when you’re dead: Live life to the fullest.
What’s something you’ve done that not many people have?
I was at the Washington Horse Show 30 years ago and a dear friend invited me to the White House for a black-tie dinner honoring Harry S. Truman. I quickly rented a tux and borrowed some incredible cufflinks from one of the jewelers on the concourse, and the Swiss team loaned their limo for the trip to 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. During that evening, I was introduced to every living U.S. president along with some vice presidents and even the Shah of Iran during cocktails before the dinner, where I sat with the Truman family.
Who inspires you?
Martha Stewart. Martha is a friend, and I love even a short conversation with her. She has incredible knowledge of so many things. When I find myself cooking, I use her recipes. When I have a difficult stain in a shirt or tie, I type on my computer, “Martha Stewart—how do I get a stain out of clothes?” Incredible lady with a beautiful farm, impeccable taste and, on top of everything else, she loves her horses.
What three things can always be found in your refrigerator?
Capers, champagne and ice
What would be the best gift in the world?
To get rid of negativity. I’m really over the doom and gloom. Also, to get traffic lights better timed so we are not spending half of our lives waiting on lights to change.
What’s something everyone should try at least once?
If you ride, you should try foxhunting. If you swim, you should try snorkeling. If you like airplanes, you should at least take a flying lesson. YOLO!
What has owning Sidelines meant to you?
My favorite thing about the horse world is the people—they are the best! So as the magazine “for horse people, about horse people,” Sidelines has been a great fit. I’ve loved being involved, and now I’m excited to see the legacy ride forward!
Photo by David Butterworth
