The Royal Windsor Horse Show is under scrutiny to reassess its safety measures following the tragic death of a young soldier who was reportedly caught beneath a substantial gun carriage.
Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, a member of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, lost her life after a fall from her horse during a performance attended by King Charles and other royals earlier this month.
The display features First World War-era QF 13-pounder field artillery pieces, each towed at high speed by a formation of six horses arranged in three rows.
Known affectionately as Sully, Lance Bombardier Sullivan was praised by her commanding officer as a ‘fearless and gifted horsewoman’. She was reportedly positioned in the back row, nearest to the carriage, when the incident happened.
At the time, she was adorned in the regiment’s ceremonial ‘busby’ hat, an integral part of the King’s Troop’s full dress uniform.
Footage shared extensively online, coupled with remarks from the 24-year-old’s friends and family, has intensified claims suggesting her death was caused by the gun carriage, which exceeds a ton in weight, rather than the fall itself.
The carriage is made of steel and wood with large spoked wheels, and during displays, the riders manoeuvre the heavy artillery through tight turns and arena formations. The design dates from an era long before modern safety engineering or protective riding helmets, which critics now say raises serious questions about their continued use in public performances.
One source told The Mail on Sunday: ‘Most people assumed at first that she hit her head when she fell, but in the horse world it’s no secret that she was run over by the very heavy gun carriage.
Lance Bombardier Ciara Sullivan, part of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, died after falling from her horse following a display witnessed by King Charles
‘The rider at the front was not able to clearly see the back of the carriage where Ciara was sitting, so could not see that she had fallen and did not know to stop.
‘These carriages were invented centuries ago, before modern safety measures. They are not fit for purpose and nor are the hats. There should be a serious review of horse displays like this.’
Another source in the equestrian world added: ‘If riders must perform in arenas and in front of crowds then they should be wearing helmets. Not all the horses are used to enclosed arenas and many never seem to get used to loud displays.’
Lance Bombardier Sullivan sustained her injuries as the troop exited the arena at around 7pm on May 15 in Home Park, part of the private grounds around Windsor Castle.
Despite immediate medical treatment at the scene, she could not be saved.
Thames Valley Police told the MoS that her death had been referred to Berkshire Coroner’s Office and that it remained ‘non-suspicious’.
An equestrian source said: ‘It appears she was an accomplished and highly respected rider, disciplined, experienced and devoted to her role within the King’s Troop. Yet her loss also raises uncomfortable questions about the dangers inherent in a ceremonial tradition that appears increasingly out of step with modern standards of safety.
‘The continued use of traditional headwear that offers only limited protection has to be reviewed in an activity where serious head injuries are an ever-present risk.
‘In virtually every other professional equestrian setting, modern protective equipment is considered essential. Yet for reasons of appearance and tradition, ceremonial riders remain exposed to dangers most contemporary organisations would regard as unacceptable.’
Her commanding officer said it was ‘this natural courage that made her always the first to volunteer to ride the most demanding of horses’.
Buckingham Palace said the King was ‘greatly shocked and saddened’ by the tragedy and would privately share his condolences with her family.
The Royal Windsor Horse Show and the MoD declined to comment.
