Hammer Time in Shartlesville

Shartlesville is a little speck on the Pennsylvania map, tucked away off I-78 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, midway between Harrisburg and Allentown.  Shartlesville hasn't grown much since being founded in 1765 by the Shartle family; its population in 1885 was 225, while in 2004 it was 410. 

Shartleville's main attraction in town is the Haag's Hotel, which was built in the early 1800's.  It features a $8.00 all-you-can-eat Hearth Country Style Breakfast.  Here's a recent picture of it:

Just outside of town, on Mountain Road, is the Mountain Springs Arena, where on Sunday, April 18, the Pennsylvania Racing Bred Spring Mixed Sale will be held.

Sale manager Rich Miller began his Mixed Sales in 2007 because he anticipated a demand for Pennsylvania-breds with the increased purses at state racetracks and the ever-increasing Breeding Fund, which topped out at $21 million in 2008.  Last year, the sales results were weak, as they were across the country.  Miller is hoping that things rebound for the April 18 sale.

The catalog for the Spring Mixed Sale is now online (do a search for Mountain Springs Arena, the link does not work here) and it is comprised primarily of 2-year-olds and horses in training.  There are several broodmares entered, including a Carson City mare in foal to Jump Start, bred on the same cross as Gr. 1 winner Rail Trip.  Some of the consignors include Dana Point Farm, Ghost Ridge Farm, Xanthus Farm and Pin Oak Lane Farm.

While the venue for the Pennsylvania Mixed Sales isn't fancy, Miller and his employees work to make things comfortable and hospitable for buyers and sellers.  A country kitchen sells home-cooked food, and inside the sales arena complimentary soda and spirits are provided.  The arena itself is nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountains, providing some spectacular views in both the spring and fall.

Several good horses have been purchased fairly cheaply at previous Mixed Sales, including Coastal Solace, who sold for $2,000 out of the consignment of Dr. William Solomon's Pin Oak Lane Farm and is now a multiple stakes winner and earner of more than $376,000.  She was voted last year's champion older filly or mare by the Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Horsemen's Association at Philadelphia Park.

So the next time you're looking for somewhere off the beaten path to visit, check out Shartlesville, Pa. on April 18.  And don't forget to get there early for breakfast at the Haag's Hotel before the horse sale.  The dining room closes at 11 a.m.