‘ONE SECOND SHE WAS RIDING… THE NEXT, THE ENTIRE CROWD WAS IN SHOCK.’ The tragic death of 24-year-old soldier Ciara Sullivan at the Royal Windsor Horse Show is now fueling difficult questions about safety protocols after eyewitness accounts revealed just how quickly the devastating incident unfolded. As tributes continue pouring in for the young soldier, many people are focusing on one troubling aspect of the accident that has sparked debate far beyond the equestrian community. From a personal perspective, what makes this story so heartbreaking is that a routine ceremonial display turned into a life-altering tragedy in front of hundreds of stunned spectators.

It was reported that she was riding one of six horses pulling an WW1-era field artillery gun when the horror unfolded in Windsor, Berkshire, on the evening of May 15.

One source told the outlet: “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.

The 24-year-old fell from her horse as she exited the Royal Windsor Horse Show earlier this monthCredit: Supplied

“These carriages were invented centuries ago, before modern safety measures.”

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They added that the carriages and the hats are “not fit for purpose” and called for a “serious review” of horse displays.

Sullivan was wearing full dress uniform and a traditional ceremonial hat at the time with another source saying “they should be wearing helmets”.

After Ciara fell from her horse while exiting the arena, medics immediately leapt into action but she tragically passed away at the scene.

The King and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh were present at the time of the tragedy but “were not made aware of the severity of the situation until later”, Buckingham Palace said.

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A spokesman later added that His Majesty was “greatly shocked and saddened” and that he “will be in touch with the family to share his personal condolences”.

Tributes flooded in for Lance Bombardier Sullivan of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, following her death.

Commenting in a moving Facebook post about Ciara, her devastated mum, Wendy, wrote: “Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking the time to write this. She was doing what she loved.”

Her commanding officer said: “Lance Bombardier 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 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 paid tribute, describing Ciara as a dedicated and highly respected soldier whose death had shocked the Army and wider defence community.

In 2022, Ciara was pictured smiling alongside Tom Cruise when he visited Windsor Castle as part of the Queen’s ­Platinum Jubilee year.

Her death was being treated as unexplained but non-suspicious, Thames Valley Police said.

The Sun has contacted the Royal Windsor Horse Show for comment.

The Ministry of Defence said it was a live investigation and did not comment further.