A young soldier who died after falling from her horse during a performance before the King at the Royal Windsor Horse Show is feared to have been dragged beneath a heavy World War One-era artillery gun carriage — prompting urgent calls for a safety review of ceremonial equestrian displays.
Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, 24, of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, died at the scene on the evening of 15 May after being thrown from her horse as the display exited the arena in Windsor, Berkshire. According to the Daily Mail, Sullivan was riding one of six horses pulling a WW1-era field gun when the incident occurred, and sources fear she was dragged underneath the gun carriage after falling.
The circumstances of her death have raised serious questions about the safety of ceremonial equipment that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. One source told the Daily Mail that the rider at the front of the carriage had been unable to see the rear where Sullivan was positioned and did not realise she had fallen. “These carriages were invented centuries ago, before modern safety measures,” the source said, adding that both the carriages and the ceremonial hats worn by riders were “not fit for purpose” and that a “serious review” of horse displays was now needed.
A second source pointed to Sullivan’s uniform at the time of the tragedy, saying she had been wearing full dress uniform and a traditional ceremonial hat. “They should be wearing helmets,” the source said.
Medics rushed to Sullivan’s aid immediately after she fell but were unable to save her. She was pronounced dead at the scene. King Charles and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were present at the show but, according to Buckingham Palace, were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later. A palace spokesman subsequently said His Majesty was “greatly shocked and saddened” and would be in touch personally with Sullivan’s family.
Tributes poured in from across the military community. Sullivan’s commanding officer described her as “a bright light in any room she entered,” adding: “An immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey, she had an infectious energy. She was the kind of person who made the regiment, and world, a better place simply by being part of it.” Defence Secretary John Healey described Sullivan as a dedicated and highly respected soldier whose death had shocked the Army and the wider defence community.
Her mother, Wendy, responded to the wave of tributes in a Facebook post, writing: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to write this. She was doing what she loved.”
Sullivan had served with the King’s Troop for several years and was photographed alongside Tom Cruise during his visit to Windsor Castle for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Thames Valley Police said her death was being treated as unexplained but non-suspicious.
