MJS Equine - Mel Spittall

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! 🐴✨

MJS Bespoke Equine Training + Mentorship 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
MJS Equine Creative ~ original, candid, authentic
📍 South East QLD based // will travel
📧 Mel - [email protected]
🌐 www.mjsequine.com

04/08/2024

MJS Equine Creative ~ Fine art ~ offering stunning, original + dynamic bespoke art for your home or office
📍 South East QLD based // will travel
📧 Mel - [email protected]
🌐 www.mjsequine.com

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

23/11/2023

Hey there friends 👋🏼…long time no post! Apologies for being MIA on this page (for quite some time now) but life’s been a lot recently (like alot-alot! 😆)
Anywho, as many of you would know by now I’ve not been able to take on any clients for the past wee-while due to ongoing major construction at the property I was working out of. Unfortunately I can’t see this changing anytime soon…at least until after the xmas period anyways
Apologies again to those that this impacted directly + to those who have still been trying to book in
I will be back offering training + coaching services when the stars align again, but for now you can find me or
Thanks a million for all of the incredible support + to my amazing clients I’ve been so blessed with this year. ❤️🙏🏼🐴 I’ll be back!
Side note: I’d be open to riding/campaigning a/couple of horses if anyone is looking
Mel ☺️🐴🙏🏼 x

10/08/2023

…note to self… - put Draxs’ rear on cue 🤗🐴

09/08/2023

Return to work time for this handsome man!
Gus
This sweet big guy will be looking for his new 🏡 in the next few months so watch this space 👀

04/08/2023

…the ones that need that extra little piece of me…they’re the ones I seem to attract…
Most would have written this guy off…but the more layers of his that I peel away, the more I realise just how much of a gem I’ve been blessed with 💎…
…in all of his handsome sensitive quirky weirdness! It true!
Also, I couldn’t decide on black + white or colour, so ya’ll get both! …😆🤗
Which one do u like best?
**go

31/07/2023

July photo dump…’cause it’s been nearly a whole month since I last posted! 🤦🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️…side note: (I need a social media fairy ‘cause honestly, as much as I try + I know how important it is these days when u run your own business, it’s just not that high on my priorities)😕🧚‍♀️
Anywho, finding balance is a tricky thing when u work for yourself. July was about as crazy busy as most other months this year, however, I was much better at consciously creating a more consistent work/life balance
I love my job + am deeply dedicated to the horses that pass through my hands, but there’s also this whole other side of me that loves a whole lot outside of being + working with horses 24/7
Forest hikes + quiet stillness, writing + creating, sunrises + sunsets, dancing + fires + red wine, + quality time spent with people + critters that I love
Also, big shout out to my amazing clients who’ve been so patient with me this month as I tackled the dreaded winter bug. 🤧 Your all so supportive + understanding, + I’m blessed to work with each + every one of u + your horses! Xx

06/07/2023

🌟✨ 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐲𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐬 + 𝐇𝐨𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐬 🐭🐴

Moments from what feels like a whole other life time ago…yet the principles I applied then (working with exotic animals) + still (with horses) are exactly the same
Having the opportunity to work with these guys was truly was one of the highlights of my career! Capybaras are notoriously skittish animals so we spent loads of time connecting over scratches + corn, but also training some really important husbandry behaviours…targeting, stationing, self-weighing, voluntary injections, + crate training etc 🎯📚
I remember one day being asked by a guest, "Who is their favorite person out of all the keepers that work with them? Who do they prefer?", + the honest, non biased answer to this question always comes down to relationship 💞
Building trust + connections with any animal, including horses, involves consistent + patient effort. It requires us to meet them where they are, rather than imposing our own expectations or desires onto them. By cultivating this understanding + working within their perspective, we open up a non verbal dialogue that can create a safe + supportive environment for both parties, fostering stronger bonds + more resilient, harmonious partnerships 🤝🐴
Feel free to drop me a line if you’d like some more info on the ZE training, mentorship or coaching programs we offer!
Mel 🤗🍃🐴

01/06/2023

Last month was a tough one…it tested me…the horses tested me too…sometimes I think might be a better title fit for me then 😆…but anywho, even though It was a tough month I’ve been reflecting + it’s actually made me so grateful for the amazing horsemen/mentors I’ve been blessed to befriend throughout my life so far
Some of the very best horsemen I’ve known have never won a buckle, they aren’t “high profile”, they don’t have a million dollars, fancy trucks or thousands of social media followers (actually most barely have social media at all! 😆)…however, what they do have in bucket loads, is feel + timing…heart, wisdom, knowledge, technique, experience, patience, emotional intelligence, compassion, empathy, + a true grit desire to do right by every single horse that passes through their hands…
…watching these men work horses is almost meditative…it’s not ego driven, by the clock or by some “method”, its intuitive…like water the conversation between horse + horseman just flows…
“True horsemen are born + then shaped + educated by life + the horses that pass through their hands.
We all have five senses. It is the sixth sense that blesses a few - the horseman. It is the sense of the horse.
There are many great horseman that never enter an arena. Like their horses, these people are content with their 'partnership'. There is no need for recognition, approval of others or applause. Their competition is private - it is won + the reward is a personal sense of accomplishment.
For them, success with their horse is enough. I tip my hat to those that choose the quiet path of horsemanship."
So this is really just a gratitude post to the real, genuine, give you the shirt of their back type men who’ve taught, supported + encouraged me, been there without question or without expecting anything in return when I’ve gotten stuck or needed a 2nd opinion (those passed 🙏🏼💗…+ present). I wouldn’t be the person or the horsewoman I am today without horsemen like these in my life…I appreciate you all IMMENSELY!…very lucky lady…🍀🐴🤠 xx
…couple of faces missing but couldn’t find pix…u know who u are! X

18/05/2023

›› 𝚣𝚎𝚗 𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚜𝚝𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚗𝚗𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚊𝚍𝚟𝚒𝚌𝚎...𝙿𝚊𝚛𝚝 𝟷...
𝕐𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕛𝕦𝕕𝕘𝕖𝕞𝕖𝕟𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕖 𝕚𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕒 𝕣𝕖𝕗𝕝𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕖…𝕀’𝕞 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕠𝕦𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦𝕣 𝕖𝕩𝕡𝕖𝕩𝕥𝕒𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟𝕤… 𝕀’𝕞 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖 𝕥𝕠 𝕝𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕞𝕪 𝕝𝕚𝕗𝕖 𝕚𝕟 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕓𝕖𝕤𝕥 𝕡𝕠𝕤𝕤𝕚𝕓𝕝𝕖 𝕨𝕒𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕥…𝕚𝕗 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕀 𝕤𝕒𝕪,𝕕𝕠 𝕠𝕣 𝕓𝕖 𝕦𝕡𝕤𝕖𝕥𝕤 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕟 𝕡𝕖𝕣𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕒𝕥’𝕤 𝕒 𝕣𝕖𝕗𝕝𝕖𝕔𝕥𝕚𝕠𝕟 𝕠𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 + 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕖… #𝚓𝚞𝚜𝚝𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚒𝚗

24/04/2023

…this is why I do what I do…my heart work…it’s what gets me out of bed in the morning…❤️❤️
To know I’ve helped make a difference in Jewels life + her humans life too actually means the absolute world to me! 🤗🐴
+ THANK YOU to Teena - Equine Resolutions - for entrusting me with your girl + for being the most absolutely incredible human/mum to Jewel that she is. Most people would have given up on her but u didn’t. So much love + respect to u! 💗🙏🏼 Xx
PS: said clip of Jewel is in my Insta/facey stories still if u wanna take a quick squiz…

19/04/2023

On behalf of client…
🐴🥃💨 Whiskey Smoke 💨🥃🐴
(aka Smokey)
8yr old burnt buckskin
Stock Horse
Approx 15hh (will measure him properly in the next few days).
Recently brought back into work + going nicely under saddle. Sweet natured. Lots of potential.
Good on trails etc. Has had some exposure training with flags + whips which he has taken to with minimal fuss.
Easy to C,F,S,W etc. Has done some contract mustering with past owner.
Would suit experienced home with confident rider as he still requires guidance in some areas + to help him reach his full potential.
Vet checks welcome.
7🥕🥕🥕 neg
DM for more info + video. Serious, genuine enquires only pls! 🤠🙏🏼

16/04/2023

›› 3-4 training spaces coming available from the 3rd of May. First in, first served type deal
Multi discipline trainer
🐴 Specialising in problem solving/behaviour modification
🍃 Exposure training/“desensitisation”
🐴 Re-education
🍃 Return to work/General riding
🐴 Groundwork + basic handling
🍃 Starting under saddle (limited spaces available)
Tallebudgera Valley, SE QLD
›› www.zenequestrienne.com ››
~ ethical equine solutions
Shoot us a DM or share around! ☺️🙏🏼🐴 x

13/04/2023

…I wasn’t going to post this…but then I did…not really equine related but important message for a world (+ a platform) that’s sometimes so full of fake 🤗🍃🐴
“Don’t prioritize your looks my friend,
they won’t last the journey.
Your sense of humour though, will only get better.
Your intuition will grow + expand like a majestic cloak of wisdom.
Your ability to choose your battles, will be fine-tuned to perfection.
Your capacity for stillness, for living in the moment, will blossom.
+ your desire to live each + every moment will transcend all other wants.
Your instinct for knowing what (+ who) is worth your time, will grow + flourish like ivy on a castle wall.
Don’t prioritize your looks my friend,
they will change forevermore,
that pursuit is one of much sadness + disappointment.
Prioritize the uniqueness that makes you you, + the invisible magnet that draws in other like-minded souls to dance in your orbit.
These are the things which will only get better”

02/04/2023

›› So…it was brought to my attention last night that 17 yrs ago, to the day, I performed in the very first show 🇦🇺🐴 yes! I’m that old (+ I love it! 🤭)
I still remember holding back tears after finishing that first show…good tears…proud tears 🥲 What an awesome experience that was! Not just the show itself but the pre production + all the work leading up
Being a part of this production again so many years later honestly blows my mind! I never imagined circling back to “where it all began” for me, but I’m a firm believer in that life puts u exactly where u need to be
There was a question asked to the team the other night before the show…”what is the one thing in life that u wish u knew sooner”….my answer was honestly - nothing - if I’d have known sooner the things I didn’t know yet, then I wouldn’t have had the experiences I’ve had + I probably wouldn’t be the person I am today…+ maybe it comes with age but I can honestly finally say that I actually like the person I am today
I’m a very different woman now to that 25yr old Mel. I’ve learnt SO much, not just about horses, wildlife, animal training + all that comes with those industries, but I’ve cultivated so much more self worth along the way (thank goodness). I’m not viewed as “successful” in the eyes of many, but I guess that also comes down to how u gauge success. Success to me is a full life well lived with learning + growth + adventures + love + kindness + compassion. I’ve met some of the coolest humans + critters ever + I’ve been afforded some really amazing opportunities + experiences on my journey so far
I had such a fun show last night with a bunch of really great people + so today I’m feeling very grateful, nostalgic + I’m carrying a very full heart 🤗❤️🐴
Pls enjoy these very few low quality images I have from “way back when”…we didn’t document or share our lives 17yrs ago like we do these days 👵🏼🤣🤗🐴🙏🏼 xx

20/03/2023

I’ll have one in every colour thanks! 🤗🐴

08/03/2023

Social media has honestly felt reeaaaaally abrasive of late….I’ve avoided it as much as humanly possible!!
I’m not around much lately but I appreciate u all immensely + man…are there some good things coming this way!!! 🤗🥰

01/03/2023

›› Your horses early learning experiences are 100% the most important ones!…these early training experiences (which include both physical + psychological conditioning) will shape a foundation that significantly influences their behaviour + characteristics for the rest of their lives
Little Miss Jewel here taking a break from our ground work session to test out the equipment for herself…there’s always time for a little “down time” + for allowing space for processing…🤗💎

31/01/2023

Our selfie game certainly needs some work….but these two never fail to make me smile 🤗🥰 .horsemanship

26/01/2023

I've been waiting ever so patiently for this guy to be ready for this next part of his journey. One of the sweetest, funniest horses I've ever had the pleasure of spending time with. This here is my little man Drax
Drax is currently out spelling with my old mare Bubby. He is my nearly 4.5yr old coloured Friesian Warmblood (Sire) Thoroughbred (Dam)
I purchased Drax sight unseen off the "Second chance for dogger horses" facebook group as a nearly 2.5 yr old. He had been to a professional trainer for starting undersaddle, however, once home, he "got into it" about 1 minute into his first ride + his lady unfortunately broke her collar bone
Drax has spent the past nearly two years being mischievous, cheeky, growing into himself, + just being a normal happy young horse. Now has come the time to slowly re-educate him back under saddle 😍👏
This is the part of his journey I want to share with you all. There will be no time line attached to his learning as progress will be guided by his personal responses, reactions + learning capacities. Through empowering Drax mentally + physically + by using an approach that honours him + his process of growth, my aim is to help him become a ridden horse that is safe, supple, light + WILLING, all the whilst retaining his soft yet confident nature + gorgeous personality
"Watch this space" for more on this beautiful kid...at the very least it's bound to be amusing if it has anything to do with Drax! 🍃🐴 x

22/01/2023

Life isn’t something that happens when your to-do list is over, your to-do list is never over. Your life isn’t on the other side of your to-do list or completing all the ‘things'
THIS is your life, in this MOMENT
Peace is the result of retraining your mind to process life as it is rather than what you think it should be
Try not to get caught up in the BS 🐂💩
Happy Sunday ya'll!! 🌻🍃✨ x
📸 good times in Tamworth with my Bubby girl 💛

21/01/2023

The reason horses can become such a gifted teacher for us is because he does not need an inner voice. He doesn't think in words at all. He feels. He experiences the simple energy of his emotional state of being. Forty million years of evolutionary pressure have turned the horse into the quintessential prey animal. Rather than using words or vocalisations to communicate - sounds that help a predator pinpoint his prey - horses learned instead how not to talk, how not to make sounds, + how to make sense from being, not thinking
Horses infuse emotional meaning into every body movement. They pour this vital, emotional energy - chi- into every gesture + glance, lending them the nuances of tone, accent, + value. By sensitising themselves to chi, horses can not only convey the meaning of what they want to share with other members of the herd but can also feel the palpably sharp energy emitted by a stalking predator, eyes locked intently on its prey. Evolution has driven equids to the farthest limits of nonverbal, right sided brain function.”
Written by Dr Allan Hamilton - Zen Mind, Zen Horse 2011

20/01/2023

›› Whether we are intentionally teaching our horses something or not, they are ALWAYS learning...this is FACT
Be we training a horse to accept a halter, a capybara to weigh themselves, a lemur to self crate, a polar bear to open it’s mouth, a sea lion to offer us a flipper, a dog to sit, or a child to clean up after themselves, we are employing the primary principles of classical + operant conditioning
Misconceptions about positive reinforcement horse training (or the use of food based rewards mainly) is still unfortunately very common in the horse world. Yes these training techniques may produce a “muggy horse”, BUT, if they have, then I’m sorry but the techniques were simply not applied in the correct way. Positive reinforcement training techniques actually have multiple benefits for yourself + your horses
🐴 Improving ground manners
🍃 Over coming phobias
🐴 Voluntary participation in health care
🍃 Quicker learning
🐴 Longer retention of learned tasks
🍃 Less stress
🐴 More positive human association
🍃 Increased ability to generalize training across trainers, novel tasks, + over long periods of time (eg. Sankey, 2010)
🐴 AND it's another fabulous way for you to communicate + connect with your horse on a whole other level. Our personal reward for having positive reinforcement techniques as part of our training ’tool kit’ is a deeper relationship with our horses + the joy of seeing them anticipate their work + respond enthusiastically
With a few decades worth of experience in not only the equine industry but the fields of animal care, training + (more recently) applied behaviour analysis, I’m really passionate about what I do + keen to share my knowledge + skills with you all
If your interested in learning more or organising an ✨🌻INTRO TO R+ TRAINING FOR HORSES WORKSHOP ✨🌻 then pls, comment below, like, share, tag, DM, email me, whatever + I will get to work on dates + curriculum
Happy training!
Mel 😊🙏 x