Working & Winning with Elisha Hodgson

This article is from the January 2020 Horse Deals magazine.

Elisha, what does a normal working week look like for you in your job as a Solicitor?
I wish I could explain exactly what that may look like but the reality is that no two weeks are ever the same.

Some weeks I will spend 45 to 50 hours in the office and others 60+ hours preparing for trial or out and about attending functions or marketing for my firm, OMB Solicitors. I am fortunate that my work allows flexible work arrangements and is so supportive of my equestrian endeavours.

I work predominately in the area of Property and Litigation (Dispute Resolution). I also have specific experience in assisting my fellow equestrians in buying and selling property (farms and horses), preparing agistment and training agreements and facilitating any horse-related disputes.

What commitments do you have at the stables before, and after work?
I am fortunate to have my horses at our family home in Tallebudgera (Gold Coast), Queensland. Most mornings I will start at 4.30am and ride one or two horses and help with morning feeds, un-rugging and stables before I head to work around 6.30am. I would be lying if I said I did all stables every day – my amazing dad, Grant, helps in that department.

How many horses do you have in work and what is their workload?
We have four horses at home with three in work. Two are my competitive mounts (who are usually ridden at least four times a week with a mix of both flat, jump and hill work), one is my school horse and the other is our retiree. If I am not training or competing, I am teaching young kids to ride. I have always found satisfaction in helping others and especially in a sport I am so passionate about.   

Showjumping involves plenty of schooling and fitness, how do you keep your horses fit and tuned on limited time?
Teamwork! On the days I am not riding, my mum, Jenny, might take the horses out for a lunge.

Do you do any fitness work other than riding?
I try and keep fit myself. It is fairly high on my list of priorities. I am lucky to live so close to the beach where every now and then I go out for a surf with my dad. I also recently started PT sessions two to three days a week, especially now I am preparing for my wedding next May 2020 (i.e. the ‘Wed-Shred’). 

I think that fitness is such an important aspect of my riding and my job. It not only keeps my physical health strong but also my mental health. Being a lawyer is a very high stress and intense profession. It may look glamorous to some but ‘when it’s all happening’ it can be very quick for your average day to turn into a twelve or fourteen hour one. This, in turn, can impact upon my training with the horses.

What are some of your proudest moments in your riding career and in your job? 
Throughout the years I have competed and placed at State and National level for pony club and interschool showjumping and dressage. In the last five years, I have competed and placed in many showjumping events ranging between 1.10 and 1.30 — from local shows to the Queensland Winter World Cup Shows. I was runner up in the Queensland Amateur Tour a few years ago and have successfully competed and placed at the Aquis Champions Tour (one of the most prestigious events on the Australian showjumping calendar) since its inception in 2016. Last year I was asked to represent Australia at the Global Amateur Tour to compete in Mexico but unfortunately had to turn down the opportunity due to my working commitments at that time. This is certainly on the cards for the next few years. In terms of my proudest professional moments, this would be my selection last year on to the Committee for the Gold Coast District Law Association (one of the many committees I am involved in). The GCDLA plays an important role in providing support, events, news and information to all lawyers on the Gold Coast.

Do you have a strapper to help you on the morning of a competition and what jobs do they assist with? 
My mum is my number one strapper. She is just as keen on the competition lifestyle as me and she has a huge love for the horses. There is nothing she doesn’t do for me ­— which I am so grateful for! We work as a team.

What do you do after a weekend comp, to prepare for the next weekend’s comp?
Rest and relax. Monday is for naps in the paddock for the horses.

Out of your four weeks annual leave, how much of that is used for competitions?
Probably at least two weeks. The other two weeks are usually for Christmas/new year break. My fiancé would probably kill me if I had any more than that.

How many events would you do in a year?
Since I became a lawyer, my show selection has become far more critical. I previously travelled over 12 hours for a show. These days it is around three hours after work on a Friday. I am lucky that I live in close proximity to the showgrounds of the big shows like Caboolture, Gatton, Sunshine Coast etc. This year I have had about two competitions every month and maybe three every month through winter.

How do you balance work, family, social life, competitions, plus being a member of multiple committees? 
I keep a diary which helps. However, I find it is easy to achieve balance if you enjoy what you are doing.

But when it does get tough, I like to think I am pretty good at time management. I have a habit of wearing (and taking on) many different hats in equestrian and as a lawyer. I have been involved in (and held from time to time) multiple committee positions including the Tallebudgera Pony Club, Bond University Equestrian Club and have assisted with running large scale equestrian events on the Gold Coast. The saying ‘it’s not about having time, it’s about making time’ finds its way into my life frequently. Whilst I feel I am good at knowing which hat to wear and when, there are always sacrifices that need to be made and usually that starts with my social life.

Do you do anything in the off season with your horses? 
I like to take them to the beach at Cabarita (NSW) and also trail rides. I also tend to do this throughout the competition season also — horses need a good work-life-balance also.

Do you ever face getting run-down?
If so, how do you manage it? Work-life-balance is absolutely key. Also learning how to switch off when you leave the office is important. What does help is returning home from work to see the horses so happy to see you (albeit it usually being feed time). Being around the horses and turning my attention to something other than workplace helps with balance and to keep everything in perspective.

What sacrifices do you have to make to do it all, and do it all successfully? 
There are many sacrifices you have to make. But this is the case with all athletes. I am lucky to work in such an incredible office at OMB Solicitors, that support my equestrian endeavours. The important factor for any working equestrian is to find employment that you enjoy and surround yourself with positive people.

What words of advice can you give to other amateur riders who want success in all aspects of their lives?
Never say never and always keep striving to achieve your best. Self-doubt will kill more dreams than failure ever will so tell yourself before you get in the ring or walk into an interview that you are great.

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