Royal Artillery pays tribute to 'bright light' NCO who died after fall at Royal Windsor Horse Show

· Forces News
Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan was described as an "immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey" by her commanding officer (Picture: MOD)

Tributes have been paid to a junior NCO from King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery who died after falling from her horse following a display at the Royal Windsor Horse Show.

A statement released by the Ministry of Defence said Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, 24, loved horses and had a "natural affinity" with them.

Since joining King's Troop, she had been involved in ceremonial operations and took part in multiple Royal Gun Salutes in London's Hyde Park and Green Park.

An exceptional jockey 

Her commanding officer said: "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.

"An immensely professional soldier and an exceptional jockey, she approached every day within The Troop with an infectious energy — the kind that lifted those around her without effort or intention - and was unfailingly present for her comrades in both the small moments and the hard ones.

"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 showjumping 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."

They added that the thoughts of every member of the troop and the wider Royal Artillery were with her family at this tragic time.

Deeply committed equestrian soldier

LBdr Sullivan's role saw her deploy on both Operation Bridge, the state funeral of Her Majesty the Queen in 2022, and Op Golden Orb for the Coronation of Their Majesties The King & Queen in 2023.

She had recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor and particularly enjoyed training military working horses and developing young horses, making full use of her equestrian skill set.

Equally, she enjoyed delivering riding lessons to the mounted gunners within her sub-section and was frequently nominated to instruct the officers of The Troop.

Passionate about everything to do with her unit, she participated in every activity available, including showjumping and The Troop Race.

Ubique

Lieutenant General MR Elviss, Master Gunner St James's Palace, spoke of the shock and the "profound loss" of LBdr Sullivan.

"A fine soldier, she died doing a job she loved surrounded by people who held her in the highest regard," he said.

"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. Ubique [everywhere]."