A soldier who died after falling from her horse at the Royal Windsor Horse Show has been named.
Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan died on Friday and has been described by the Ministry of Defence as an “immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey” who was “a bright light in any room she entered”.
Despite being given immediate medical treatment she sustained serious injuries and died at the scene, Thames Valley Police said.
The 24-year-old joined the Army in November 2020, attending the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, before joining The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery in June 2021.
Lance Bombardier Sullivan also took part in the state funeral of the Queen in 2022, and the Coronation of King Charles in 2023.
She had recently qualified as an Advanced Regimental Riding Instructor and particularly enjoyed training the Military Working Horses and developing young horses.
Her commanding officer said Ciara, who was known as ‘Sully’ to her friends, loved horses and had a “natural affinity” for them.
She has also been described as a “bright light in any room she entered”.
King Charles at the Royal Windsor Horse Show in Berkshire. Credit: PA
A statement released by the Ministry of Defence paid tribute to Ciara: “An outstanding soldier and a role model to many she worked with. She was fearless and gifted horsewoman, having ridden since childhood and having competed in the show-jumping ring before joining the Regiment; it was this natural courage that made her always the first to volunteer to the ride the most demanding of horses.
“Beyond her equestrian talent, she was a soldier of remarkable breadth. A skilled footballer, a dedicated presence in the gym who pushed herself and quietly brought others along with her, and someone who found cause to celebrate the smallest daily victories in those she served with.
“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.
“The thoughts of every member of The Troop and The Gunners are with her family at this tragic time.”
Lt Gen MR Elviss CB, MBE, COMARRC and Master Gunner St James Palace said: “The shock of LBdr Ciara Sullivan’s loss is profound. A fine soldier, she died doing a job she loved surrounded by people who held her in the highest regard. A dedicated, committed and highly respected junior commander; she will be sorely missed.
“The Royal Regiment of Artillery and the wider British Army is a lesser place without her. I could not be more sorry nor saddened by her loss and my thoughts, prayers and condolences are with her family and friends.”
Defence Secretary John Healey MP said: “Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan was a brilliant young soldier who served our nation with dedication. 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.”
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