ABOUT
A&A Farms was established by Andrij Brygidyr and his daughter, Andrea, as a hobby farm in 2007. The property was purchased for its 100 scenic rolling acres and rich soil. Originally, a Clydesdale breeding operation, it had basic infrastructure including a rustic bank barn and electro-braid fencing with only four paddocks.
In 2009, we purchased our first thoroughbred racehorse, A.A. Grenade, at the CTHS November Winter Mixed Sale. Grenade became a great first experience, especially after he finished his Ontario Sired conditions at Woodbine Racetrack. We expanded into breeding in 2016 with the purchase of our first broodmare, Erma Lee. Along with other equine acquisitions, we invested heavily into infrastructure improvements, including an indoor six horse euro-ciser, a renovation to our bank barn, overhauled oak board paddocks, a sand ring, a round pen, and generally landscaped and beautified the property.
Today, A&A Farms is a closed ecosystem broodmare operation that breeds to race and sell commercially. Follow us on social media for the latest updates.
TEAM
Andrij Brygidyr
CEO & Co-Founder
In 2008 Andrij Brygidyr purchased a 100-acre property near Belwood, Ontario to house his polo string as well as the family field hunters, and show jumpers. Originally acquired as a hobby farm, the property has transformed into A&A Farms, a successful and leading commercial thoroughbred breeding and racing operation. However, the farm continues to serve as a focal point for family gatherings and heated discussions about pedigrees, mating selections, and racing strategies. A&A Farms is one of a number of companies owned and operated by Andrij. Andrij is also a member of the Jockey Club of Canada.
Andrea Brygidyr
COO & Co-Founder
Andrea began riding horses in 2000 and has since gone on to try a variety of disciplines. At A&A she focuses on bloodstock and the buying and selling of horses. She finds raising the next generation of racehorses extremely rewarding and continues to expand A&A Farms. Andrea also plays key management roles in other family businesses.
Cheryl Baker
Farm Manager
Cheryl joined A&A in 2022 and has over 26 years of expertise in all areas equestrian from breeding, showing, rehab, and more. Outside of A&A, Cheryl has her own farm that focuses on breaking and training young horses & shows hunter / jumper.
Paige Palmer
Relief Help
Paige has been with A&A since the summer of 2020, and has dove into the thoroughbred world headfirst. She handles all aspects of the farm including equine management, sales preparation, and training. The farm runs like clockwork in her care with each horse getting the individual attention that they need. Outside of the farm, she is a full time student.
Jennifer Hamilton
Relief Help
Jennifer has been at A&A since 2017 and is an invaluable member of our team. Previously the farm manager, Jen is well versed in everything racehorse, broodmare, and foal! When not at A&A, Jennifer is an eventer with a horse of her own.
Iero
Weanling Manager
Iero has been a part of A&A for over 15 years, working directly with the young stock on a daily basis. He is an integral part of A&A, assisting in everything from weaning to shipping racehorses. His resume is extensive and includes; field hunting, polo, parades, sidesaddle, and western games. Iero is also a stunt horse for movies and has appeared in multiple artistic works in collaboration with students of The Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU).
Yata-chan
Chief Morale Officer
Yata joined A&A in 2019 and has been a big part of boosting farm morale. He is always happy to meet new people and attend farm parties. Though Yata's main focus is morale, he also performs other duties like night check and paddock perimeter checks. He also joins the A&A team when shipping horses across Canada and the U.S.
CONNECTIONS
When shipping to Kentucky, all A&A horses board at Watershed Equine owned by Tracey and Clay Caudill. Watershed is our home away from home during both the breeding and sales seasons.
A&A Farms utilizes Manning Equine Vet Services to look after the health and welfare of our bloodstock.
CHARITIES & FOUNDATIONS
We support Prince Fluffy Kareem, a UK registered charity that helps horses and donkey's in need in the pyramid area of Cairo, Egypt and surrounding areas.
For 2021 we sponsored Leila for one full year.
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Members of Horse Racing Women's Summit. Founded in 2022, the Horse Racing Women’s Summit (HRWS) has grown into a movement gathering national attention. The inaugural multi-day summit at Santa Anita Park and subsequent events brought together people from all facets of the horse racing industry with the mission of connecting and empowering women in horse racing.
