Andre & michael dignelli’s Heritage Farm

Heritage Farm is owned and operated by brothers Michael and Andre Dignelli. Michael and Andre's passion for horses started more than 30 years ago and culminated with what has become known today as Heritage Farm.

Michael (left) and Andre Dignelli. Photo by Allie Coffin

Andre Dignelli first came onto the scene in 1985, when he won the USET Finals (now the USEF Show Jumping Talent Search Finals - East) under the guidance of Judy Richter of Coker Farm. He would later join her team as a trainer before going on to win a bronze medal at the 1991 Pan American Games in Cuba. That same year, Andre trained his first national equitation champion, coaching Peter Lutz to victory in both the Rolex USET Final and the ASPCA Maclay Championship. In the more than three decades that have followed, his program has helped develop top riders including Kent Farrington, Kirsten Coe, Maggie McAlary, Reed Kessler, Lillie Keenan and many others.

Michael Dignelli, Andre's older brother, manages daily operations at Heritage Farm and has been instrumental in its success. Often working behind the scenes, Michael is the driver behind making sure that all of Heritage's facilities and staff are operating at peak performance to ensure the best customer experience possible. Michael is passionate about horses and is an influential figure in the animal and farm community. His youngest son Dean Dignelli, has also enjoyed success with Heritage Farm as an amateur rider.

Our Philosophy

As a team, Andre and Michael have created one of the top stables in the country—Andre teaching and training, Michael running the business. They have done this by combining Andre’s vast experience with horses (hands-on, in the saddle and as a trainer) and Michael’s forward-thinking business mind.

The brothers have built a strong support staff—employing top farriers and veterinarians to care for the farm’s horses. As the years went on, they purchased quality horses so that students would have competitive mounts to help them reach their goals.

And the farm’s success is built on a foundation of respect, due much in part to its team-oriented atmosphere. 

Take a look inside the Heritage Farm Development Program with Andre Dignelli.

Go inside the Heritage Pony Program, which has produced champions for more than three decades. At Heritage Farm, a rider can take his or her journey from the first riding lesson to the top levels of the sport.