ABOUT
A&A Farms was established in 2007 by Andrij Brygidyr and his daughter, Andrea, as a family hobby farm. The 100-acre property was selected for its scenic rolling landscape and rich agricultural soil. Originally developed as a Clydesdale breeding operation, the farm began with modest infrastructure, including a traditional bank barn, four paddocks, and electro-braid fencing.
In 2009, A&A Farms entered the Thoroughbred racing industry with the purchase of its first racehorse, A.A. Grenade, at the CTHS November Winter Mixed Sale. Grenade provided an exceptional introduction to racing, successfully completing his Ontario-sired conditions at Woodbine Racetrack and laying the foundation for the farm’s future Thoroughbred program.
The operation expanded into Thoroughbred breeding in 2016 with the acquisition of its first broodmare, Erma Lee. As the breeding and racing program grew, A&A Farms made significant investments in the property and its equine facilities. Improvements included the installation of a six-horse indoor Eurociser, extensive renovations to the original bank barn, oak-board paddocks, a sand riding ring, a round pen, and comprehensive landscaping throughout the property.
Those investments have been accompanied by important milestones on the racetrack and in the breeding shed. A.A. Azula’s Arch became the first Graded Stakes winner raced by A&A Farms, while Bossy Candy became the first stakes winner bred by the farm.Today, A&A Farms operates as a private Thoroughbred broodmare operation with an integrated breeding program focused on producing horses both to race under the A&A name and for the commercial market.
From its beginnings as a small family hobby farm, A&A Farms continues to evolve while remaining committed to thoughtful breeding, quality horsemanship, and the individual care of every horse raised on the property.
Follow A&A Farms on social media for the latest news from the farm, breeding updates, foals, sales, and racing results.
TEAM
Andrij Brygidyr
CEO & Co-Founder
In 2007 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 Brygidyr is the Co-Founder and Chief Operating Officer of A&A Farms, where she oversees bloodstock operations, breeding strategy, acquisitions, sales, and business development. Since co-founding the farm in 2009, she has played a key role in developing the Thoroughbred breeding and racing program, with horses competing across North America. With more than 15 years of industry experience, Andrea combines hands-on bloodstock management expertise with a strong business background, bringing strategic leadership and operational oversight to the farm. She holds a Master of Business Administration from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from OCAD University.
Brittney Novak
Farm Manager
With over 20 years of equestrian experience, Brittney brings a lifelong passion for horses to her role as Farm Manager at A&A Farms. Her background spans the hunter, jumper, and eventing disciplines, giving her a well-rounded foundation in horse care, handling, and horsemanship.
Having owned her mare for more than a decade, Brittney has developed a deep appreciation for the trust, consistency, and partnership at the heart of working with horses. Her extensive hands-on experience, combined with her genuine dedication to equine care, guides her approach to managing the day-to-day needs of the horses at A&A Farms.
Stablehand
Olivia brings valuable hands-on experience from the Standardbred industry to her role as Stablehand at A&A Farms. Working closely with Farm Manager Brittney Novak, she supports the daily care and handling of the farm’s horses, including training, sales preparation, and general horse management.
Olivia also assists with the day-to-day upkeep of the farm and its facilities, helping maintain a safe, organized, and well-cared-for environment for the horses.
Olivia Hurley
Facilities & Media Coordinator
Eric joined A&A Farms in 2019 and has since become an integral part of the family and daily operations. He focuses on property maintenance and the care and well-being of the horses, ensuring the farm runs smoothly and safely. With a bachelor’s degree in photography, Eric captures all of A&A’s sales and website imagery, showcasing the horses with a professional eye for detail. He is currently pursuing a degree in architecture from Toronto Metropolitan University, combining creativity, precision, and design in both his academic and professional pursuits.
Eric Yeh
Paige Palmer
Weekends
Paige has been an invaluable member of A&A Farms since the summer of 2020 and has played an integral role in the management and day-to-day operation of the farm for many years. Her extensive hands-on experience encompasses all aspects of Thoroughbred care, including equine management, training, sales preparation, and the individual care of each horse.
Now supporting A&A Farms on weekends, Paige brings years of knowledge, experience, and familiarity with our horses and operation. Her dedication, reliability, and understanding of each horse’s individual needs continue to make her an invaluable part of the A&A Farms team.
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.
Apollo
Weanling Manager
Apollo joined A&A as a permanent lease in 2024. He had an extensive cross-country career with his family and needed a retirement to keep him active and engaged - a slower lifestyle wasn't on his agenda. Apollo is excellent at being a companion but is not afraid to implement boundaries with rowdy yearlings or to teach young horses new things. His family is still active in his life, but he now permanently resides here at A&A.
Sandy & Yata-chan
Farm Dogs - Director's of Morale
Yata-chan and Sandy proudly serve as A&A Farms’ Directors of Morale, providing daily supervision, companionship, and an unwavering commitment to keeping spirits high around the farm.
Yata-chan joined the team in 2019, with Sandy following in 2021. Since then, the pair have become much-loved fixtures at A&A Farms, accompanying the team through daily chores, keeping a watchful eye on farm activities, and ensuring that no workday is without a little canine entertainment.
While their contributions to actual farm productivity remain questionable, their dedication to team morale is unmatched.
CONNECTIONS
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.
The HRWA exists to make the industry stronger by backing the women who make it great. Our mission is to engage women through genuine connection, elevate them with visibility and support, and invest in their growth with real tools and opportunities.
We’re here for the woman just starting out, the one ready for a seat at the table, and the one who’s already leading and wants to lift others along the way. If you have a passion for horse racing and a vision for the future, we’re here to support those goals every step of the way.
