Season Updates: Abi from Tic Toc Eventing

Today we're catching up with Abi Boulton, the 5* event rider who you might know as Tic Toc Eventing.

If you missed our first chat a while ago, check it out on our blog here.

Let's see what Abi and Tic Toc have been up to lately!

Hi all, for those that don’t know me, my name is Abi Boulton, I’m a 5* Event rider based in Yoxall on the Derbyshire & Staffordshire borders. I was the youngest to complete Burghley in 2015 & 2016 on my horse of a lifetime ‘Tilston Tic Toc’ (Benjamin) who at the grand age of 23 is now enjoying retired life at home in the field! 

Because of Ben, we set up ‘Tic Toc Eventing’ as he was the one who sort of put me on the map and started this whole full time malarkey! 

Although I am currently not competing at the higher levels that doesn’t mean we have stopped! We still have plenty of horses at home keeping us busy, with younger ones at the lower levels and a couple exciting new additions which I will tell you about momentarily… 

We have got two exciting 6 year olds this year, ‘Royal Spider’ (Spider) owned  by David Harris & ‘BT Fantasy’ (Flo) owned by Andrew Ayres. Both were new rides for me last year so our focus has been to get to know each of them and start building our relationship.

Spider is a gorgeous, tall and elegant boy, he was bred by David out of his mare Wyldeswoode Lantana by Royal Rubin. He is such a character on the yard and loves a good daytime snooze!! He tries his absolute hardest to please and has a great brain to work with, he just needs a bit more self belief which we try to instill in him, it’s a long way from his brain to his feet …..

Flo is a stunning dun mare which Andrew bought towards the end of last season and my goodness does she love her jumping - almost too much! She is by Tullabeg Fusion, out of a full thoroughbred mare.  Our view towards her training is working with her to help her find a better rhythm and manage her enthusiasm! 

We had made the decision this season to skip March and start in April due to how many events got abandoned early on last year because of the British weather! It’s true what they say, you can’t predict the weather here - as quite frankly the weather in March this year was glorious and better than anyone could have expected - that showed us!!

So we began our season in April with a few great educational runs from Spider & Flo at BE90open - both gaining a couple top 10 placings which we were very pleased with. Next plan of action is going to be  stepping them up to BE100 so fingers crossed for that and I’ll keep you all updated! 

Alongside the horses I have been working on adding some more strings to my bow! Firstly by becoming a qualified ESMT (Equine Sports Massage Therapist) which is very exciting. I have always been incredibly invested in the biomechanics of horses and what we do as riders to ensure we are working them correctly and therefore strengthening any weakness little by little. It is something that is really important to me and I have always tried to maintain that at the heart of my riding.  I will admit I am  slightly a nerd when it comes to muscle groups/anatomy etc so this course was a great way of learning more and really delving into the depths of how and why everything works/moves.

Next on the list will be looking at gaining my BSHI qualifications then possibly doing a human sports massage course - that’s the plan anyways but we will see how and when I will get to fit these in around the ponies at home. 

I would like to say a massive thank you to all the team at Hiho, who continue to support me. I have been a brand ambassador for almost a decade now which is crazy. It was back in 2016 at Bramham Horse Trials when our collaboration began and it was a no brainer - Mum and I had been stacking our wrists full of Hiho for years prior and have always loved and admired the brand.

There’s always new and exciting products, our current obsession is the Western collection which after watching the Yellowstone trilogy has definitely got us adding to our wish list for sure. 

Anyways - thanks all for taking the time to read my waffle! I shall waffle again in the Summer and hopefully have some positive updates for you all.  If you don’t already, please follow us on Instagram ‘@tictoceventing’ & like our Facebook page ‘Tic Toc Eventing’ where you can be involved with the daily goings on at Team Tic Toc!

Thanks everyone!
Abi xx