The horsewoman has signed off after working her last day at the North Taieri property. Hodson’s initial work with Brian Anderton’s stable was meant to be only a stop-gap measure when she ran out of her work at the stable she was employed at, at the time.
"I was actually working for Ali Robinson," Hodson said.
"He only trained a few horses at the time and they all went shin-sore, and he put me on loan to Brian and I have been there, more or less, ever since."
She has worked in every facet of the business over that time, from handling stallions and mares in the breeding barn to the education and training of racehorses. That was partly due to a six-month break from the operation after 20 years, when she left and then came back to a different role.
"I used to ride trackwork and do stable work before I left, and then when I came back, I started doing the breaking-in of the horses and the preparing the yearlings for the sales, and weanlings foals. I still rode the odd bit of trackwork but not as much as beforehand."
More recently, Hodson’s duties also included the night watch of mares due to foal.
Hodson has handled many high-profile horses during her time, but four horses particularly stand out.
"One of the first yearlings I ever prepared was a filly out of Mellition by [White Robe Lodge stallion] Noble Bijou which turned out to be Our Sophia, and she won the Australian Oaks."
Hodson has a memorable connection with the race that stops two nations, the Melbourne Cup.
"There is another horse that stood out. I have to mention him because he won the Melbourne Cup.
"He was a horse by Tawfiq out of Joyarty, which was Tawrrific."
"That was a big thrill. It is a big thrill to see them as foals to yearlings and then go on to win races."
Closer to home, Hodson also has special memories of one of the Anderton’s best jumps horses.
"One racehorse I had a real fondness for, when I used to ride trackwork quite a bit, was a horse called Bymai. He won a Grand National Hurdles and a Grand National Steeplechase. I had the privilege of leading him out of the birdcage when he won the Grand National Steeplechase."
"Another one that stood out was another filly by Noble Bijou out of Brown Satin. She fetched $375,000 [at the national yearling sales.]"
At the time, that price was one of the best results White Robe Lodge had ever had at the sales, Hodson said.
Hodson looks backed fondly on her time with the Andertons.
"Every job has its ups and downs, but I enjoyed it. Brian and the rest of the team were really good to me. They treated me like family."
Hodson’s horse skills had to be good to stand the test of four decades educating and working with horses. Her working philosophy centered on respect.
"I think you just treat them with respect."
"You tell them off when they’re naughty but if you respect them, they respect you."
Hodson is not leaving the Taieri. She is about to start work on a dairy farm.
- Jonny Turner
