Red Mills Special: Alex Bragg on Quindiva, Pressure, and the Power of Teamwork
Alex Bragg’s 2024 season delivered career highlights, from a historic podium finish at Badminton to a rare finish-on-dressage-score at Burghley. In this Connolly’s Red Mills special, he reflects on Quindiva’s brilliance, the mindset behind major moments, and what’s next with Ardeo Premier heading to Badminton 2025.
When they hit record, Alex Bragg had a lorry leaving for Kelsall Hill in half an hour and just minutes to chat before dashing off. The yard’s buzzing with activity, but it’s the show atmosphere that really drives him.
“I don’t know whether I love the pressure… But you can’t be on that stage without it. It’s better to rise to the occasion than to shrink”.
That mindset set the tone for a standout 2024 season.
From 51st to the Podium
Coming off a strong Burghley run in 2023, Alex was aiming for a good result at Badminton with Quindiva - what he got was even better than he expected. After sitting 51st after dressage, they climbed to third overall — one of the biggest leaderboard surges in history.
“I was thinking I was going to jump my way into the top 10, not end up jumping my way onto a podium,” he said.
She was one of just 12 horses in 2024 to notch two top 10s in a CCI5*-L and even more impressively, finished on her dressage score at Burghley — a feat achieved by just one other starter, Harry Meade and Cavalier Crystal.
Fueling the Flair
Managing a sensitive mare like Quindiva takes precision. That’s where Connolly's Red Mills comes in.
“Feeding goes deeper than just energy,” Alex explained. “Red Mills have a really simple system… People forget how feed affects temperament, stress levels, the mind — as much as the energy”.
It’s not just performance fuel — it’s about giving a horse the right mental space to thrive.
Badminton 2025
This year, Alex's focus shifts to Ardeo Premier. A very different character — “You can hear him snoring after lunch,” Alex laughs — but one who brings consistency, rideability, and quiet reliability to the table.
“He’s a core team player,” Alex explained. “He’s not out there scoring all the goals, but he just keeps getting the job done. He is technically fantastic and his rideability is superb.”
As for what Badminton means to him?
“Local. Big. Dream.”
Presented by Connolly's Red Mills
From elite performers like Quindiva to grassroots gallopers, Connolly’s Red Mills delivers the balance, simplicity, and power behind top sport. Learn more at redmills.com.
🎧 Listen to the full episode on the EquiRatings Eventing Podcast.
Follow @equiratings for more behind-the-scenes stories and rider insights.