Mention "Lipizzan" to even the most casual of horse enthusiast and they respond with a dreamy look and a fond recollection of the time they saw the white horses, whether in person or in the Disney movie. Andrea Weiss of Rolling Acres Farm was no exception. After contacting a local breeder with some general questions about the breed, Andrea was invited to visit the farm and see the horses. She was immediately enchanted and so began a love affair with the Lipizzan breed. Soon after, Andrea purchased her first Lipizzan. As time passed, her admiration for the breed grew and she was able to acquire a select group of purebred mares to form the foundation of the breeding program at Rolling Acres.
Rolling Acres Farm is located in the heart of horse country, just north of Ocala, Florida. It is owned and operated by Andrea Hambach Weiss. Although born and raised in Chicago, IL, Andrea moved to Florida over 20 years ago. A lifelong horsewoman, Andrea found that Florida offered more opportunities to explore her equine interests. Andrea ultimately settled near Ocala, with its rolling hills, oak trees, and picturesque horse farms.
Over the years, Andrea has been involved with several horse organizations. Until recently, she was an instructor for the Marion County Sheriff's Office volunteer Mounted Unit. She has completed several courses through Geiser Equine in conjunction with the Southern Police Institute on mounted police work. Andrea organized training sessions for unit members and participated in activities including search and rescue details and community patrolling.
In addition to the Mounted Unit, Andrea belongs to the Standardbred Pleasure Horse Organization of Florida and has been featured in articles written about the breed. SPHOFL is an organization dedicated to promoting the Standardbred as a riding horse and educating the public. These horses are often very successful with their "second careers." Andrea has also ridden Quarter Horses, competed in Reined Cowhorse events, and enjoys trail riding and camping with her horses and dogs.
Currently, Andrea is studying a classical riding and training program. She works with a classically educated trainer who has learned from the masters and attends clinic twice a year with Herwig Radnetter of the Spanish Riding School. Her Lipizzan gelding, Maestoso Tropina, is a willing partner and together they are learning the techniques that are his heritage.
