Bartville Tack

[workinggirl]

Hi all

Can anyone tell me if they have a lot to chose from in their store? I am looking for a dressage bridle, a breast plate with elastic and the so soft reins. Or is it better to order?

thanks in advance for all replies!

[Ajierene]

I got my dressage bridle from the store. They have a good selection. I would suggest going there first, if your close enough. Then you can order if you don't see exactly what you like.

[workinggirl]

Did they have a lot of bridles to chose from? How is the quality? Is the leather soft?

thanks

[RiverBendPol]

Last time I was there they had PILES of beautiful stuff. I have 2 bridles, 2 breast plates, a few halters and lots of miscellaneous important stuff. Do you guys know their mailing address? I need some new elastic in my xc breastplate. Thanks.

[Ajierene]

The leather is WONDERFULLY soft and they have as much selection as any tack store. When I bought my bridle, it was my first trip to Bartville. I got a tax refund and used it to buy new saddles (jumping and dressage) and bridles. My trainer told me we should go to Bartville instead of buying a bridle from another tack store.

The bridles were less expensive for very soft leather - no waxy film - and they had everything from pony to draft. The bridles and reins are sold separately, but I still paid only about $100 (less, if I remember correctly). The only thing I had to order was the rubber for my jumping bridle because I wanted longer reins but brown leather, not the orange that they usually put with the light brown bridles.

Anyway, yeah - I would suggest going there. But remember, they are Amish, so bring cash or your checkbook or your out of luck - they do not take credit cards. Might want to bring cash to limit your spending....

[workinggirl]

1243 Noble Rd.
Christiana, PA. 17509

[allisontatman]

Def worth the trip so long as you are not too far away! Lots of stuff that is NOT in the catalog there! Beautiful stuff!

[Gry2Yng]

OMG! They have a catalog? How do I get one?

I am from Chicago, but have been there twice. Once after Morven in 2001 and once after Radnor in 2004. Worth the drive in both cases. I have some BEAUTIFUL things from their store. Please, someone tell me how to get their catalog. Last time I was there they didn't even have phones.

[SuperEventer]

Yes, me too! I'd love a catalog!

[Ajierene]

you can send them a letter requesting a catalog or call them. I believe if you call between 8 and 815 you can get a person, otherwise leave a message.

The catalogs are black and white copies - not the best if you want to see how 'pretty' something looks, but very functional for picking out a bridle or something.

The above address is correct. The phone number is 717 529 6992

[Gry2Yng]

LOL! Call within a 15 minute window for a live person. That's even better than AT&T.

Will definitely get a catalog. Need a few things for my youngster. I have had some of their stuff for almost 10 year and it STILL looks great. For the OP, their quality is unsurpassed, at the price, unless things have changed - they is no other way to go.

[Hotspur]

My wife and I were there last week! We were en route from Michigan to Philidelphia to visit family and made a bee line (thank you GPS!) for Bartville on the way.

It was my first time there and I was amazed by the quality and selection. Make every effort to work with them, you will not be disappointed.

[starkissed]

I haven't been there for a little while, but there tack is in my opinion more foxhunter tack. Its on the clunky side, they don't have really pretty refined stuff (at least their handmade tack). Like the bridles have buckles for everything, rather than the hook inside.

But yes, soft leather, and it will last a long time

[Gry2Yng]

Agreed that they don't make stuff you would use in the hunter ring, but everything they make is top of the line for the dressage ring or eventing. I have ridden FEI levels and did the test ride at Rolex in their tack.

[Ajierene]

They can make both hooks and buckles. One of my bridles has one and one has the other....just picked one up off the shelf that way and I'm not picky about buckles or hooks.

I don't find the bridles clunky but that's just my opinion.

[RiverBendPol]

I sent them a note last week and asked if they could replace the elastic in my (hunter style) breastplate. Today they called me and said yes of course, send it along and send a cheque too, for the tiniest amount of money which will include the shipping back to me. They'll also include a catalog. I LOVE doing business with them.

[takethestage]

I own an absurd amount of tack from Bartville and I love it all. Great quality, great price, great look, great customer service. I have absolutely nothing negative to say about them (except that the whoopie pies that they had on the fourth were addicting!!). What isn't there to love?