Hi, I’m Mel. Thanks for being here.

WildStride Animal Solutions is the natural evolution of my life’s work, bringing together decades of experience in animal behaviour, training, and welfare across multiple species, from horses to native and exotic wildlife.

I’ve always been someone who learns best by doing, observing, and listening. I’m an animal behaviour nerd, a zookeeper, a horsewoman, a photographer, a writer, and a nature lover, all woven into one.

For the past thirty years, I’ve moved between two worlds, the equine industry and the wildlife sector. Periods spent immersed in performance, coaching, equine-assisted therapy, and media work have been punctuated by time in wildlife care, behavioural husbandry, enrichment, and training. This back-and-forth journey has given me a unique perspective, one that sees beyond disciplines and species, and focuses on relationship, trust, and communication at the core of animal care.

My work as a zookeeper offered me a deeper lens into cooperative care, training animals to participate willingly in their own care, whether it’s stepping onto scales, engaging in enrichment, or learning new behaviours that support their health. These same principles carry through to my work with horses, where consent, curiosity, and connection form the foundation.

WildStride isn’t just a business. It’s a reflection of the belief that behaviour is always a conversation, and trust is the language we share. Whether it’s guiding a horse through groundwork or helping a macaw rediscover flight, my approach remains the same, respectful, calm, clear, and consistent.

Thank you for stopping by. Take a look around, and feel free to reach out if you’re curious about the work I do here.

Warmly,
Mel Spittall
WildStride Animal Solutions