Soldier who died at Royal Windsor Horse Show was ‘exceptional jockey’
A soldier who died after falling from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show was an “exceptional jockey” with an “infectious energy”, her commanding officer has said.
Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, 24, part of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, fell at around 7pm on Friday after exiting the arena.
Despite being given immediate medical treatment she sustained serious injuries and died at the scene, Thames Valley Police has said.
A Buckingham Palace spokesperson previously said the King was “greatly shocked and saddened” to learn of her death and will be in touch with her family to share his condolences.
In a statement, they said: “While His Majesty and other Members of The Royal Family were present at the arena at the time the incident took place, they were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later.”
The horse-loving soldier was deployed at Queen Elizabeth’s state funeral in 2022 and the coronation of Charles and Camilla the following year.
Her commanding officer said in a tribute issued by the MoD: “Lance Bombardier (LBdr) Ciara Sullivan, ‘Sully’ to her friends, was to all who had the privilege of serving alongside her, a bright light in any room she entered.
The “soldier of remarkable breadth” was a skilled footballer and pushed herself in the gym while “quietly” bringing others along with her, they added.
The officer, who was not named by the MoD, said: “A natural leader and instructor, she won the respect of all who had the privilege of working with her, and her patient coaching has helped many Mounted Gunners within the Unit fulfil their potential.
“The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery has lost not only an accomplished soldier and horsewoman, but the kind of person who made the Regiment, and the world, a better place simply by being part of it.”
Defence Secretary John Healey described Ms Sullivan as a “brilliant young soldier who served our nation with dedication.”
He added: “We’re all deeply shocked and saddened by her death.
“My thoughts are with Ciara’s family, loved ones and colleagues at this devastating time.”
Police said they were treating the death as unexplained but non-suspicious.
Ms Sullivan joined the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, near Woking, Surrey, in November 2020 and entered the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery in June 2021.
The soldier had been involved in ceremonial operations with the troop including multiple Royal Gun Salutes in Hyde Park and Green Park, both in London.
She had recently qualified as an Advanced Regimental Riding Instructor and enjoyed working on developing young horses and training military ones, the MoD said.
Ms Sullivan offered riding lessons to the Mounted Gunners in her sub-section and was often nominated to instruct officers in the King’s Troop, it added.
The MoD said: “She was passionate about everything to do with The Troop and participated in every extra activity available including show jumping and The Troop Race.”