Biography

British rider Alexander Bragg (44) gained a career highlight when competing here last year gaining third place with Quindiva – the combination was also 8^th at Burghley. It will be a first Badminton for this year’s entry Ardeo Premier with who Alexander has completed Luhmuhlen and Pau and at the end of last season was 6^th in the 4*L at Blenheim.

Alex, who is based in Chilton Trinity, near Bridgewater in Somerset, is a qualified farrier but is not currently practising. Alex grew up with horses and enjoyed success as a child in Pony Club mounted games, before concentrating on showjumping. At the age of 16, he took a break from riding to start training as a registered farrier, before starting his own shoeing business.

It was through his work that Alex met his wife, Simmone, who introduced him to eventing. He began riding and competing again when Simmone was pregnant with their first child, significantly reducing his farriery commitments in favour of being an event rider. The couple now runs Team Bragg.

Alex made his four-star debut at Burghley 2016, has competed on British Nations Cup teams, was a reserve for the European Championships in 2017 and made the long-list for the World Equestrian Games in 2018. With former 5* ride Zagreb he completed Burghley, Badminton, Pau and Luhmühlen – the horse was leading event horse of the year in 2019. Alex also competes in FEI showjumping classes and has twice competed in the World young horse seven-year-old championships; 4^th in 2020 (Ardeo Premier) and last year was 10^th (Masterclass).

Alex trains with Richard Waygood and Jeremy Scott.

Alex and Simmone have three daughters; Ellouise (20), Sienna (18) and Florence (14) all of who ride and help with the family business.

Ardeo Premier is a 12-year-old registered Irish Sport Horse gelding. Bred by Michael Beattie he is by Hold Up Premier out of a mare by Cruising. He was acquired rfom Ardeo Sporthorses in Ireland as a four-year-old. He is described as a sociable and kind horse who enjoys a nap after breakfast.