“I STILL HAD SO MUCH MORE TO SEE HER DO…” — CIARA SULLIVAN’S MOTHER BREAKS HEARTS WITH THE DREAM HER DAUGHTER LEFT BEHIND For Ciara Sullivan’s mother, the hardest part of the farewell was not only watching soldiers gather in silence, or hearing tributes spoken for the daughter she raised. It was knowing that Ciara had not reached the ending she once imagined for herself. Behind the uniform, the ceremony and the proud military honours was a young woman with plans still waiting, hopes still unfinished, and a mother who had pictured many more chapters ahead. Every tribute brought comfort, but also reopened the same ache: Ciara still had more life to live. Now her parents have shared the part of her wish that never came true, and one detail from her mother’s grief is leaving people deeply moved. 
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A three-round volley was fired within Wellington Barracks, followed by the presentation of her personal items, including her cap and medals, to her grieving family
In a poignant display of military respect, her horse, Neymar, carried her riding boots reversed in its stirrups, symbolizing her final journey.
Flags across all Army buildings in London flew at half-mast in her honor, while floral tributes spelling “Sully,” her nickname, were surrounded by photographs of her in uniform with her horse.
L/Bdr Sullivan, a member of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, sustained fatal injuries on May 15 at approximately 7 p.m. after exiting the arena, and died at the scene. She had previously served in significant ceremonial roles, including the state funeral of the late Queen in 2022 and the coronation of Charles and Camilla the following year.
Known for her deep affection and natural affinity for horses, L/Bdr Sullivan was remembered by her commanding officer as an exceptional talent.
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In a tribute released by the Ministry of Defense, her commanding officer stated: “Lance Bombardier (L/Bdr) 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.”
Buckingham Palace previously confirmed that the King was “greatly shocked and saddened” by L/Bdr Sullivan’s death and intended to convey his condolences to her family. Charles and other members of the royal family were present at the arena during the incident but were not informed of its severity until later, according to a palace spokesman.
L/Bdr Sullivan joined the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, near Woking, Surrey, in November 2020, and entered the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, in June 2021. Her service included numerous ceremonial operations, such as Royal Gun Salutes in Hyde Park and Green Park in London.
She had recently qualified as an advanced regimental riding instructor, dedicating herself to developing young horses and training military mounts. She frequently offered riding lessons to mounted gunners and instructed officers within the King’s Troop.
The Ministry of Defense highlighted her passion for all aspects of The Troop, noting her active participation in extra activities like show jumping and The Troop Race.
