Please tell me about Bartville Harness Shop, PA [Archive]

allisontatman

Nov. 9, 2008, 07:22 PM

I've read on here that it's a super place to find quality bridles, and I am in the market for a nice Figure 8 bridle that won't break the bank-think they will have a few styles of Figure 8's to choose from? How about reins? Do they have nice ones?

Also, it's an hour out of my way to where I am headed, so is it definitely worth the trip?

What other tack do they sell? Is it only leather goods? Do they sell any turnout-type blankets?

I have heard that their bridles are similar to Edgewood and Nunn Finer, but lots cheaper.....any truth to this? I'd love it if they had the Nunn Finer Soft Grip reins cheaper than BoB or VTO!

Anything else you can share would be great! Thanks!

caffeinated

Nov. 9, 2008, 07:37 PM

I'm pretty sure they actually make the nunn finer stuff, but I could be wrong.

In any case, yes, you will find what you're looking for :) The last time I was there I nearly bought a bridle and I didn't even need one. Lots of great strap goods (reins, and of course the stirrup leathers, which are fantastic) :)

It's sort of hard to find, especially if someone has stolen the Puseyville Rd. sign. :)

cevent

Nov. 9, 2008, 07:40 PM

AilleXWest

Nov. 9, 2008, 07:42 PM

They do make all the "Made in the USA" Nunn Finer stuff. They will not tell you so nor with Bit of Briton.

Their stuff is GREAT!!!! I have to call this week and get new leathers. I like the ones they have better them the ones from france that came with my saddle.

Jleegriffith

Nov. 9, 2008, 07:49 PM

Um, don't go unless you want to spend lots of cash:lol: They do make all the nunn finer leather goods. There are not a ton of different "styles" but what they do have is gorgeous. They have some turnouts (rambos and similar blankets). Lots of bridles, halters, girths, strap good and so much more. Remember it is an Amish tack shop so only cash or check and the hours are kinda strange so check in with them first.

I recently got my hunting bridle there for $89 and I buy most of my martingales and breastplates there. I prefer a bit "fancier" of bridle with padding and such but that is just me.

They do have those reins (um, the one's I sniped from you on ebay;)) I have several pairs on all the bridles. They are really nice and I am enjoying them out hunting. I can't recall the price but say $20 or so cheaper that BOB.

allisontatman

Nov. 9, 2008, 07:57 PM

After these rave reviews I will be heading up there this Thursday-I will call first to make sure they are open!

Jess,
Let me know if you need me to pick up anything for you-I'd be happy to (even though you sniped those reins from me-LOL)! I need a couple more pairs of those reins myself and am hoping to find a nice Figure 8.

Do they have bits, too?

Lazydacres Farm

Nov. 9, 2008, 08:06 PM

Being it is amish wedding season, you will want to check before you make a trip on a Thursday, as weddings are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Just trying to save you a trip for nothing! You will love the bridles/strapgoods though!

jn4jenny

Nov. 9, 2008, 08:07 PM

I can triple-confirm that they do in fact make the Nunn Finer strap goods. I have held my Bartville elastic breastplate and elastic martingale attachment up to the real deal, and they are EXACTLY the same.

As a general rule of thumb, they're 30-45% less than the "real" NF goods. You are going to die when you see the price on the Soft Grips. Let's just say it's less than most people pay for "cheapie" rubber reins.

spacehorse

Nov. 9, 2008, 08:18 PM

I have their catalog right in front of me, and those soft grip reins (on my list TOO) are WAAAAAY cheap. A whopping 51.20.

Now, don't buy them all everybody. :D

Jleegriffith

Nov. 9, 2008, 08:37 PM

Boy, I might have to take you up on that offer. I have a hunt bridle with zinc buckles that I want to trade for brass buckles. Anyway I could meet you beforehand and send you with a check. I came up with a few more things I need...um that is always an issue:lol:

They do have bits but not a huge variety. They have some neat stuff in the clearance section to. I have picked up various standing/running attachments and sometimes a bridle that has a slight mark or something on it.

They do have a catalog if you wanna browse it before heading up. I think mine is at work but if we meet up I can lend it to you.

KlawPaws

Nov. 9, 2008, 08:38 PM

I have their catalog right in front of me, and those soft grip reins (on my list TOO) are WAAAAAY cheap. A whopping 51.20.

Now, don't buy them all everybody. :D

Bartville has a catalog?? Where did you get one?

KlawPaws

Jleegriffith

Nov. 9, 2008, 08:39 PM

I just asked for one when I was in the store. It might be a few dollars if you call and ask them to mail one but worth having on hand.

Evalee Hunter

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:00 PM

Not only does Bartville have a catalog now, shipping UPS to anywhere, BUT they are having a big sale for a whole month from about Dec. 15 - Jan 15. I can't find the sale info they sent us, but it sounded very exciting!! (I think it was either 10% or 15% off everything.)

So, call 717-529-6992 & leave a message.

As someone else said, Nov. is wedding month so don't go without making sure they are open.

The usual store hours are:

M-T-Th 7 am - 5 pm
W 7 am - 4 pm
F 7 am - 7 pm
S 7 am - 4 pm

They sell used tack, sometimes used riding boots, all sorts of stuff, bits, grooming supplies, leather cleaning, the biggest bell boots you ever saw (plate sized for drafts), etc.

allisontatman

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:30 PM

Thanks for all the quick replies! Now I REALLY cannot wait to go! I plan to call in the am to see if they will be open-keeping my fingers crossed!

Jess-sent you an email!

Evalee Hunter

Nov. 9, 2008, 09:47 PM

Forgot the address: 1243 Noble Road, Christiana PA 17509

Also found the sale paper. Supposedly if you call between 8 & 8:15 AM they will answer the phone. Otherwise, leave a message. The sale is 10% discount between Dec. 15 & Jan 17 with super specials offering an additional 10% off. All chestnut halters will be an extra 10% off - 1" halters, $31; triple stitch halters, $35; 3/4" single buckle halters, $25.20; 3/4" grooming halter, $19.60; 5/8" foal halter, $16.80.

Free gift if you spend over $250, not including shipping.

Will take phone or mail orders. Pay with check or money order. Submit orders with payment by Dec. 15.

Shipping:
up to $300, add $14
$300-$500, add $16
$500-$900, add $18
over $900, call for price

RiverBendPol

Nov. 10, 2008, 12:46 AM

Gorrrrrgeous stuff. If they aren't open on the day you plan to go, CHANGE YOUR PLANS! :)

allisontatman

Nov. 10, 2008, 08:18 AM

Well, I just got off the phone with them and they are open this Thursday! YAY! FYI-they are closed Nov. 18th.

This is the address I had:

156 Highland Rd
Christiana, PA 17509-9749

But I am assuming it is an old one/wrong?

7HL

Nov. 10, 2008, 08:45 AM

Bartville Harness Shop
1243 Noble Road Christiana, PA 17509
(717) 529-6992

hrsjmpr

Nov. 10, 2008, 08:58 AM

I was just there 2 weekends ago & am in love with the place! I unfortunately live in IL though. I can't believe they have a catalog! I must call for one! I bought the soft grippy rubber reins, a new flash noseband & a browband for $100. I was very happy...definately had more I wanted!!! MUST GET CATALOG!!!!

War Admiral

Nov. 10, 2008, 09:04 AM

Do they charge for the catalog? If so, anyone know how much? If anyone knows the amount I'll just send them a check & letter...

Cherry

Nov. 10, 2008, 09:26 AM

Liz, if no one knows the answer to your question today I will try and let you know tomorrow! I don't live that far away and have yet to go there!!!! :eek: Yeah, I know--unbelieveable.... :winkgrin: :lol: So, hubby has off tomorrow so I will try and con him into doing a dry run in anticipation for the sale in December. Although I no longer have a horse it doesn't stop me from looking (and maybe buying to donate to my local horse rescue). :yes:

Does anyone know where I turn off Route 272S to get there???? Is there a better way??? :confused: I'm near Lancaster city, PA....

You guys are such enablers!!!!! :winkgrin: :lol:

War Admiral

Nov. 10, 2008, 09:36 AM

Cherry - Haha, listen, I still haven't been to the new Dover's near me, either, so I know what you mean! But yeah, this place sounds great & I'd loff details! Thanks for the offer! :yes:

spacehorse

Nov. 10, 2008, 10:14 AM

Just call them and ask for a catalog. Now, be sure you call at 8:00-8:15 AM!!

They didn't charge postage.

7HL

Nov. 10, 2008, 10:16 AM

Does anyone know where I turn off Route 272S to get there???? Is there a better way??? :confused: I'm near Lancaster city, PA....

Best way to go is RT896 out of Strasburg. Then turn right onto Noble. Or...cut accross RT372 to RT 896 then right on Noble.

There ae lots of back roads to get to it as well

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=1243+Noble+Road+Christiana,+PA+17509+map&sll=39.928695,-76.079292&sspn=0.113208,0.350189&ie=UTF8&ll=39.894888,-76.064701&spn=0.007079,0.013733&z=16&g=1243+Noble+Road+Christiana,+PA+17509&iwloc=addr

Cherry

Nov. 10, 2008, 10:21 AM

Thanks, 7HL! ;)

M.K.Smith

Nov. 10, 2008, 10:38 AM

If I recall correctly... they don't take debit/ credit cards... maybe somebody can confirm that.

Their catalog... unless they've came out with a new one is pretty small and has more of their harness stuff in it. It's well worth going to the store. They used to have even better prices before they moved to the new store.

I've also heard that they make the Nunn Finer stuff.

Also... just an FYI if you have equipment fixed, you may want to specify that you want the leather to match. I had a few broken halters that I had them repair a few years back and they didn't match the leather... since they were just barn halters & I didn't want to have to make another trip back I didn't complain, but had they been show halters I would have been upset.

It's a great tack shop to have in the area.

hrsjmpr

Nov. 10, 2008, 12:18 PM

No dredit cards but they do take cash & checks!

EventingDreams

Nov. 11, 2008, 09:45 AM

Whomever is going, would you be so kind as to let me know if Bartville is making the 5 point breastplate? Here' a pic of it from Bit of Britain, and it looks like a similar make to their traditional breastplate that Bartville does make. If so, my mail order is going in ASAP during their sale. Hello Christmas!

http://www.bitofbritain.com/Nunn_Finer_5_Way_Breastplate_p/854.htm

TIA!!

jn4jenny

Nov. 11, 2008, 11:18 AM

Evalee Hunter

Nov. 11, 2008, 11:36 AM

. . . . PS--their shipping charge is steep. It starts around $14. If you're making a big order, the savings over Nunn Finer retail prices totally makes up for it. But you will do much better if you get a bunch of friends together and pool orders.

Yes, here are shipping charges (which I posted previously on the first page):

Shipping:
up to $300, add $14
$300-$500, add $16
$500-$900, add $18
over $900, call for price

You will notice that after the first $14, the charge doesn't go up much.

We were at Bartville yesterday but I forgot to ask about catalogs.

If you go to the store, make them happy: save your egg cartons & grocery bags & take them to Bartville.

allisontatman

Nov. 11, 2008, 07:48 PM

EventingDreams,

I am going this Thursday, so I will check that out for you. I am super excited about going, and hope I find what I am looking for! Either way I am sure I will come out with something!

EventingDreams

Nov. 11, 2008, 07:50 PM

Thanks allison!! Now that I know there's a sale coming up I really hope they carry them:) Have a great time, wish I could go there in person, although I'm sure my pocket book doesn't.

philosoraptor

Nov. 11, 2008, 08:53 PM

Evalee Hunter

Nov. 11, 2008, 10:19 PM

Another vote for Bartville. I love the place.

Bring cash or check -- no credit/debit last I checked. Heck the place is Amish and is list by GAS lights, not normal light bulbs. They wouldn't know what to do with a credit card machine.

The gas lights are still there but the young kids have taken over - they have an electric cash register, probably operates on solar power or something like that. They no longer sit there & write out the receipt carefully by hand, line by line, unless the register is not working.

I have actually seen an Amish man pull his buggy over in front of a bank, get out & go use the ATM machine so some of them do know what to do with a debit card.

And, if they know you, Bartville will let you run a line of credit & bill you monthly. They keep those records in a little book.

allisontatman

Nov. 13, 2008, 05:54 PM

Let me start off by saying THANK YOU ALL for encouraging me to check this awesome place out! I loved it, despite it pouring rain the whole way up there, it was well worth the trip...although I am now BROKE!

Got lots of goodies, and would highly recommend it anyone in the area!

Eventing Dreams,
I did not see the 5-way breastplate, and looked everywhere :( I asked the one lady and she wasn't real sure what I was talking about.

Creaghgal

Nov. 13, 2008, 06:53 PM

Sounds like there should be a COTH get together at Bartville sometime between Dec 15 & Jan 15.

Pot luck in the parking lot?

EventingDreams

Nov. 13, 2008, 07:34 PM

Bummer they don't have the breastplate. Thank you SOOOO much for checking for me though Allison. Wish I could go there in person sometime, sounds like a dangerous place:)

SLW

Nov. 13, 2008, 08:38 PM

I don't know if they charge for the catalog, but I sent them $5 cash with my business letter requesting a catalog and they sent me FOUR copies of the catalog. Which of course I quickly redistributed to my eventing buddies!

PS--their shipping charge is steep. It starts around $14. If you're making a big order, the savings over Nunn Finer retail prices totally makes up for it. But you will do much better if you get a bunch of friends together and pool orders.

But, they will split shipping cost if you and a buddy(s) will let them ship to one address. Some hunt club gals ordered Bville hunt bridles after seeing mine. That was about the time Levi was making my wire cutter case. He asked me if he could ship my case w/ their bridles, I said fine and so did the other girls. Three way split on shipping.

They are passionate about their work and I enjoy supporting them!

Nojacketrequired

Nov. 13, 2008, 08:46 PM

Nov. is wedding month

Gee, I wonder if the have a lot of birthdays in Aug and Sept?

caffeinated

Nov. 13, 2008, 09:15 PM

Might want to confirm the address over the phone- iirc one of those actually takes you to a house a little ways down the road from the shop itself. :)

Susan P

Nov. 13, 2008, 09:27 PM

They did move a few years ago to the new place on Noble so they would have more room and parking. It's really close to the old store though and now they have more light. The old store was really dark and crowded but I do miss it. I kind of feel lost and overwhelmed in the new store, just not the same. The old place had that leather smell too, with all the old used tack and new leather goods. They truly do have excellent bridles, etc. They made me some custom reins to go with their custom made bridle for my horse who has a broad head but not longer than a regular horse length.

It's amazing that they always remember their customers too. Good businessman with good service and product in the right location.

I heard Smuckers was closing, wow. If you travel through Lancaster County you will find many harness shops but Bartville is nearest to Chester County and Andrew's Bridge that I know.

Well, I just got off the phone with them and they are open this Thursday! YAY! FYI-they are closed Nov. 18th.

This is the address I had:

156 Highland Rd
Christiana, PA 17509-9749

But I am assuming it is an old one/wrong?

TeamBrickman

Nov. 13, 2008, 09:32 PM

The old address is the Highland Road one, the proper address is the Noble Road one, though they're not far from one another.

If you go up Highland Road and make a right at the first stop sign onto Noble Road, you'll see Bartville (a large-ish gray building) on your left at the next intersection.

Also, don't worry if you do go to the Highland Road one by mistake. That address is still occupied by a saddler, who will be happy to point you in the proper direction, or if he's not around, there's a paper taped to the door with a map and directions on it.

Evalee Hunter

Nov. 13, 2008, 09:39 PM

Gee, I wonder if the have a lot of birthdays in Aug and Sept?

I am SURE they do! I know the young man (not one of the Bartville guys) who just bought the house where our lane enters the road has two children already & I didn't even realize he got married! We have known Ephraim for several years because his father hangs tobacco in our old bank barn. Ephraim has a construction company & wants to renovate our old barn - soon as we get the money the answer will be YES! Many, many Amish live in Oxford. I think it must be one of the few small towns left in the US where you can see a mule team pulling an iron-tired wagon of tobacco through the streets.

RiverBendPol

Nov. 14, 2008, 12:08 AM

I am SURE they do! I know the young man (not one of the Bartville guys) who just bought the house where our lane enters the road has two children already & I didn't even realize he got married! We have known Ephraim for several years because his father hangs tobacco in our old bank barn. Ephraim has a construction company & wants to renovate our old barn - soon as we get the money the answer will be YES! Many, many Amish live in Oxford. I think it must be one of the few small towns left in the US where you can see a mule team pulling an iron-tired wagon of tobacco through the streets.

Evalee, the last time I was at Bartville was hay season. The guys were cutting the field across from the store with 6 mules, abreast. It was the most magnificent sight. You are lucky to have those people in your neighborhood.

http://www.fotosearch.com/results.asp?keyword=amish+mules+&category=&searchtype=sss

Mali

Dec. 11, 2010, 10:57 AM

Resurrecting this old post because I KNOW that Bartville is having their sale soon. I remember seeing it listed in the Horse of Del VAl, but I don't have a copy at home with me. Anybody know if it's starting this coming week?

Thanks!