WildStride Animal Solutions - Mel Spittall

25/03/2025

↠ For the Keepers

We say we’re just doing our jobs.
But anyone who’s ever worked this closely with animals knows it’s so much more than that.

We show up in all weather.
We know their quirks, their routines, their silent languages.
We celebrate every tiny win, and we hold space for the tough days too.

They aren’t just part of our workdays.
They become part of our rhythm.
Our hearts,
Our stories.

And when they leave, expected or sudden, it’s not just a shift change.
It’s a grief that settles deep.
A quiet ache in the chest.
Losing them is real. And it’s hard.
And you’re not alone in feeling it.

This is just a little shout out for the keepers who have given their whole hearts to animals that weren’t “theirs” on paper, but who were family in every other way.

This guy was one of those for me.
Thank you for your trust, the giggles, and the shared quiet moments.
You’ll always be part of my story 🧡🐾🎋

28/08/2024

🐴🍃 How to be a better human (for your horse) in four easy steps!

✨ Put your Ego Aside: Put it on the back burner. Honestly ask yourself - am I really helping my horse, or just protecting my pride? Take a good, honest look at how you might be contributing to the problem at hand. It’s not about blame; it’s about responsibility + growth.

✨ Be Teachable: Learning never stops, especially when it comes to horses. It’s easy to get caught up in defending our actions but If you’re too busy defending yourself, you’re missing out on valuable lessons your horse (or your trainer or maybe even the next door neighbor) is trying to teach you. Embrace being teachable. Listen, observe, + be open to new ways of thinking + doing. The more you learn, the better partner you become.

✨ Shift Your Perspective: It’s not about being right; it’s about doing right by your horse. Shift your focus from winning the argument to understanding the lesson. Horses are masters at showing us where we need to grow - if we’re humble enough to listen.

✨ Work Together, Not Against: True partnership with your horse isn’t about control; it’s about cooperation. When you put your ego aside + become teachable, you start working with your horse, not against them. That’s when the real magic happens.

Be the kind of human your horse can trust, learn from, + grow with!
Mel 🌿🐴 xx

27/08/2024

Hey hey my inter-web friends! Whether you're new here or have been following along for a while, I figured it’s time for a little re-intro…it’s been a while…

I’m Mel, I'm that person who’ll greet your horse or dog before I greet you - try not to take it personally. My life has always revolved around animals - especially horses. With nearly three decades of experience in the equine/animal industry + working with everything from polar bears to koalas (+ everything in between), I bring a unique perspective to everything I do.

Some random tidbits you probably don’t need to know - I’ve rocked dreadlocks three times in my life + wouldn’t mind doing it again. I’m at that age where I’m debating whether to "embrace the grey" because honestly, covering it up with toxic chemicals once a month is losing its charm. Running = NO. Muay Thai = YES - because let’s face it, sometimes you just need to punch + kick things! I’m not the most social butterfly, but when it comes to animals, I’m all in for those deep, meaningful connections.

I’ve done a lot of random things in my life, like co-editing an equine magazine, co-founding Queensland’s first-ever trick riding team, + winning State of Origin with the NSW Horseball Team at Equitana. And yes, I’ve been through my fair share of challenges, but I’m one of the most resilient people I know. Keeping my s**t together didn’t come easy, but I’ve got it down now - well, most of the time! No ones perfect!

When it comes to horses, I believe you’re the best person to train yours, + so I’m here to equip you with the tools, knowledge, + support to do it. I’m passionate about creating tailored programs focused on long-term growth, trust, + communication, helping you build a harmonious + confident partnership with your horse.

Oh, + when I’m not working with horses, you’ll probably find me at home, with a glass of red wine by a fire, or wrangling life as a parent (which, by the way, is the hardest job on the planet - much respect to all the parents out there!).

Thank you for being here, + I’m excited to continue this journey with you. If you ever want to chat about how I can help you + your horse, just reach out!
Mel ✌️🐴🍃

26/08/2024

🐇🐢 Quick results or the slow approach? 🐢🐇...in the world of horse training, the temptation to choose quick results over a slower, more thoughtful approach can be pretty appealing.
But what are we sacrificing in the process?
Rushing a horse’s training might seem efficient in the short term, but it often leads to gaps in understanding, increased stress, + a fragile foundation.
The slow approach is about building a partnership based on trust + mutual respect. It’s about allowing your horse to process + learn at their own pace, creating a solid, lasting foundation where your horse feels confident + willing

25/08/2024

I’ve been head down, bum up - working incredibly hard to create something truly special for you + your horse. After months of work + much reflection, I’m very excited to be evolving my services to better serve your needs. I’m super pumped to introduce my Tailored Training Packages - comprehensive, personalised programs designed to elevate your horse - human partnership to the next level.

These packages are meticulously crafted to address the specific + unique needs of both you + your horse, with a focus on fostering long-term growth, trust, + communication. Together, we can tackle everything from problem-solving + exposure training to foundational skills, advanced techniques, personal growth, + beyond. The goal is to cultivate a partnership rooted in mutual respect + deep understanding.

For those horses needing more focused, experienced attention, I will still be taking on a very limited number for in-house training programs. However, these will be reserved for cases requiring specialised care, + with the owners needing to be hands-on throughout the process. I strongly believe that the best person to train your horse is you, + it’s my goal to equip you with the tools + support you need to do just that.

This change allows me to provide the highest quality service, giving you + your horse the attention, guidance, + support you deserve. And just quickly, on the down-low, there’s something big launching soon - I’m in the process of creating even more exciting ways for you to access learning materials + continue your journey with confidence.

🌟 Curious about how a personally tailored package could work for you + your horse? Drop me a message or check out the link in my bio to learn more. Let’s elevate your journey together!

24/08/2024

🌱 RESTORE 🌱 I thought I was there to help them heal, but what I didn’t expect was the healing I’d find within myself as well. Over the past 6 weeks, I had the incredible privilege of helping to facilitate an equine therapy program for women who have experienced domestic violence. These brave women reaffirmed to me that the power of connection, trust, + support goes both ways, because women need other women - to feel supported, included, + understood.

This journey isn’t just about equine therapy; it’s about rediscovering strength, trust, + the power of connection. Watching these brave women find their voices + be reminded of their own innate power + wisdom was truly inspiring. Each session was a reminder that we are stronger together.

I feel so grateful to have witnessed the incredible impact that community + shared experiences can have. It’s in these moments of connection that true healing happens + through the shared experience with these incredible women, I discovered new insights about my own journey, + am reminded that healing is a continuous process.

Horses have a very special way of bringing out what’s buried deep inside. Sometimes, the journey inward is the most important one we take. 🌿🐴🙏🏼

My heart-felt thanks goes out to the beautiful women I was blessed to help hold space for + of coarse to Broken to Brilliant TM + the two incredibly strong, + gifted councillors who led the way MAJ Counselling and Therapies Womens Wellbeing and Consulting

23/08/2024

🌿 Remember Her? 🌿 - She was the little girl who fell in love with horses - not the ribbons, the applause, the spotlight, the likes, or the follows - just the simple, pure joy of being with them. Her heart never raced for competition or the attention of others, but for that feeling of freedom, trust, + connection with her horse.

But somewhere along the way, that little girl got waylaid. She started chasing cheap ribbons, got caught up comparing herself to those perfectly curated social media feeds + the validation that comes with fitting in. The industry rewards the polished, the traditional…the expected. When you don’t follow the crowd, it’s easy to feel unseen, unheard, + alone.

When did it become so important to have the best clothes, the most expensive tack, the latest + greatest of everything? Those things can be nice, sure - but is that really what it’s all about? Is that why we fell in love with horses in the first place?

It’s scary to step outside of the norm. To embrace a path that’s less traveled. To prioritise the bond over the trophy, the quiet moments over the applause. Fear whispers that you’ll be scoffed at, judged, or forgotten if you don’t follow the script.

But here’s the truth: the little girl who fell in love with horses is still inside you. She’s waiting for you to remember why you started this journey. She’s waiting for you to choose joy, freedom, + connection over all the that external noise.

It’s time to reclaim her. To honour the bond that doesn’t need an audience. To walk a path that’s true to you, even if it’s different…even if it’s quiet. Because the love she felt for horses was never about the ribbons or the fancy gear - it was about something much deeper, more profound, something that’s still there, waiting to be rediscovered.

So here’s to the little girl, the one who loved horses first. May we all find her again. 🐴💫

Mel 🤗🍃 xx

12/08/2024

Struggling to connect with your horse or address challenging behaviors?
I can help! 🐴✨

WildStrides Bespoke Equine Training, Mentorship, + Behavioural Husbandry Programs are designed with a fully customised approach + are personally tailored to your + your horses unique needs. Whether you want to enhance performance, resolve behavioral issues, or deepen your bond, our personalised training + hands-on mentorship ensures lasting results.

Build a stronger, more trusting partnership + unlock your partnership potential.

Ready to transform your relationship?
Feel free to drop me a line
☺️✌🏼🍃 x

11/08/2024

Our next RESTORE Program; 1st October - 5th November 🐴💕

Broken to Brilliant TM
MAJ Counselling and Therapies
Womens Wellbeing and Consulting
MJS Equine - Mel Spittall

09/08/2024

“You can accomplish a lot more through kindness than cruelty.” - Frank Green
PORTRAIT OF A HORSEMAN - Legend horseman Frank Green at the Ultimate Horseman C**t Starting Competition in Dalby.
A true horseman, from the dirt on his hands + the deep the lines on his face to the focus, wisdom + softness in his eyes. I personally love the contradiction in the portraits…hard + tough, yet kind + fair...caught in intimate, candid moments + quiet contemplation of the task at hand.

04/08/2024

I'm a very visual person...taking pretty pictures is one of the things the feeds my soul ☺📸🫶

04/08/2024

I had a conversation with a friend during a beach shoot many moons ago. He asked me what it was that I REALLY wanted to do. I said, “Ride horses + take pretty pictures.”

So here I am. Sometimes I stray from what I know is truly right for me, I get caught up in a system + with feelings of false security. So this is me gently ushering myself back to where I feel my best + most authentic self.

For those who don’t know yet, I am back at it—helping horses + their humans, + diving headfirst back into my creative flow. While I have loved my time with + have gained so much from my experience there, you won’t find me in-store or out + about in the van anymore.

Feel free to drop me a line for anything horse, horse business, or photography related, + pls go check out the website; I’ve been working hard on a rebrand + restructuring to create a business that flows better + feels more authentically me. I’m only offering very limited spaces for horses + coaching, + you can explore all of my creative offerings on the website.

Here’s a little photo dump of life lately…

✌🏼🍃🐴 Mel
📍 South East QLD
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.mjsequine.com

28/07/2024