First Friends and Queen of Sheba: Bridle Path Farm Horse Lover's Series

Bob and Bernice Smith and Grandpop Schmidt taught Roberta all the lessons a young girl wanted to know about animals and nature. Things changed a bit when Grandpop died and the family farm was sold. The small family then searched for a place to relocate. Their friends, the Newharts, found a place in Buckingham Township, which they felt would fit the Smiths' needs. This farm was directly over the hill from her best friend, Sally's, home. The purchase was made and named Bridle Path Farm. Roberta Smith, aka Rachel Snyder, and Sally Newhart, aka Sara Newman, became best of friends and spent many years doing fun things. The Smiths and Newharts became best friends for life also. Roberta trained her animals and was a big help curing Brownie from his laminitis (founder). Sheba was the Smiths' first horse. Roberta's dream of making the United States Equestrian Team was shattered when Sheba was injured and wasn't able to be ridden. The Smiths went in search of a young horse to raise and train for Roberta's future.

Roberta Smith Kroll was raised in a loving family in Lahaska and Mechanicsville, Pennsylvania. She was an only child but was never bored or looking for ways to spend time. Her mother, Bernice Smith, did the daily farm chores of the family farm, which was located in what is now known as Peddlers Village. The original house and barn, where Roberta's grandparents lived, still stands today.