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Writer's pictureRobin Black
May 317 min read

An Interview with Melody DeBenedictis: "Painter of the West and Its Wild"

Updated: Jun 10

How Moving to the West and Wild Horses Have Influenced Her Paintings



EquuStyle: Where did you move from? And, how does living in the West affect your work? 


Melody DeBenedictis: I grew up in Florida, and from there made my way up to South Carolina, North Carolina in the mountains and a short time in the Tennessee mountains before making my move west. The landscape of the west is incredibly inspiring by its vastness. The smells, the sights, the sounds… it's an incredible experience that keeps drawing you in to the wild.



EquuStyle: How would you describe yourself as an artist?


Melody DeBenedictis: I have been called prolific. I would say that I am disciplined and motivated.  Having two galleries teaches a great discipline to just paint. I used to wait for this euphoric high, and would be up for days straight painting.  As I had a retail gallery, early on it taught me the value of discipline.  Even if I wasn’t ‘feeling it’…I learned over those early years, that if I would just ‘show up’ at the canvas, whether I felt it or not, the creative would come as the brush hit the canvas. It's been a liberating experience to know that as I show up, so does the creativity within.  The motivation, that comes from the work itself, knowing the work is created in hopes of bringing positive change as each painting tells the story of our wild land, wildlife and the wild mustang.


EquuStyle: How do you hope to evolve as an artist? 


Melody DeBenedictis: Constantly growing in skill level. My work has come a long way over these 14 years. I paint on an average of 5 or 6 days a week. I have purposely not used aids, such as grids or projectors in my work. I have desired to continually push my skill level, working from eye to hand to canvas.


I have a greater understanding of the art industry itself, though that is constant ebb and flow, and am always learning. Staying flexible is essential to success. If we become rigid as an artist, it can limit our growth creatively and from a business perspective. I always say, ‘I don’t want to be famous, I just want to be rich’.  Obviously I am not there yet, Lol…  it takes money to do great exploits.  Can I be happy if I don’t reach a level of fame, of course, but I paint to bring change. So of course the money would give me a greater ability to ‘give’ in ways that I would love to help in so many ways.


EquuStyle: Which artists have influenced your work the most?


Melody DeBenedictis: There have been many, but over the last few years, I would say Mark Maggiori has captured my attention, as he has many others. His work is amazing and he has reached a level of ‘fame’ in his work that gives him the freedom to do what he desires to do around his business and his work. 

I think when musicians, artists, other creatives reach a level of fame, opportunities open to drive the direction they want to move in. Art is fickle, so pleasing your audience while staying true to ourselves in our craft is always a challenge. As I watch other artists, it's not just the work they create, or the skill level of their craft, but I watch to learn. To learn how to be a better business person along with constantly working to increase my creative skill level.


EquuStyle: What is it about the West that most informs your paintings?

 

Melody DeBenedictis: Well, obviously wild mustangs are foremost. The grandeur and size of our western frontier is always desirable to paint the landscape as much as the wild mustang and wildlife. Light play is a huge factor in creating compelling art. 


Composition is next on my list. And, I love color.  When you travel across the west, it’s the diversity of the range that is moving. You have the desert, the plains, the mountains, the big skies above. Depending on the season, it literally comes alive; even the smallest rainfall can bring vivid life to the landscape.


I would hope that my work showcases the beauty of our western landscape, and the wild that call it home. I feel extremely fortunate that I get to do what I do, see what I see, experience what I experience, and then come back to the studio and recreate those experiences on canvas to share with the general public, giving them the opportunity to enjoy the wild in their own home.


EquuStyle: Where will you be traveling to take reference photos or paint on location during the coming months?


Melody DeBenedicitis: We’re in conversation about that even now, lol.  I am looking to go north into Wyoming and perhaps up into Montana before shooting back down home into Colorado. There are several roundups of wild mustangs which are very disruptive to herds, family bands and even the land itself, the timing of planning may be interrupted depending on where we choose to travel. That conversation is on to make some decisions on where to go.


EquuStyle: Are there particular wild horses that you have come to know and enjoy painting?  


Melody DeBenedicitis: I love the Sand Wash Basin of Colorado, of course because that was my first introduction to wild mustangs and to wild lands. But Wyoming, the Dakotas, areas of New Mexico, Nevada are also favorites on my list of favorites.


EquuStyle: What is the story behind “Meteor, Stallion of the Sand Wash”?


Melody DeBenedicitis: Meteor has a special place on the basin as he is the only of his color. After losing ‘Picasso’ who was known worldwide, it will be interesting to see which stallion is next to reach the acclaim that Picasso did.


Meteor has a beautiful color and countenance on the range.  He remains a bachelor stallion at present, it will be fun watching as he continues to mature to see how he does as a stallion with his own band of mares. To date, he seems content running  as a bachelor with his guy friends, lol.


EquuStyle: How has the work of wild horse advocates, such as Ginger Kathrens of The Cloud Foundation and wild horse photographer and advocate Carol J. Walker impacted your work?


Melody DeBenedicitis: We can learn a lot from them. They have been in the field a very long time. Ginger is a wealth of information as she has dealt with the BLM (Bureau of Land Management) for years.  Her documentation of herds and input is invaluable for the preservation of our wild herds. 


Carol , I met early on as well and have a great respect for the work she does, keeping the public informed and showcasing the beauty of our wild mustangs and the land. There are so many out there doing their part to make a difference. Supporting the work of advocacy is an important part of bringing positive change. In a way photographers and painters are the ‘eyes’ of what is currently happening on the range as they spend so much time out there. They know the herds, they see the landscape, they are the "catalog" of keeping a record of our wildlands in a way that the BLM doesn’t have the staff to do.


EquuStyle: How are you promoting your wild horse paintings as a “bridge” to educate the public about the plight of America’s vanishing wild horses? 


Melody DeBenedicitis: The raw beauty of "wild" compels people to want to know more. Traveling, doing shows, events, having a galleries…wild horses are not a "hard sell". Few people know much about wild mustangs.  The paintings are my way of "introducing" them to the public. The stories always come as folks ask questions.


There is a lot of propaganda out there, it's one of the biggest reasons I started traveling myself, I wanted to know first hand about the dynamics that surround the plight of our wild lands and the wild mustangs. It’s a politically driven issue that doesn’t have one solution to the diversity of issues that surround our wild mustangs and burros. It will take compromise on both sides to find solutions to assure wild mustangs, burros, wildlife, and the land itself can flourish. The demand of competitive industry on our landscape is fierce, it will take a willingness on both sides to bring sustainable resolutions to preserve the land and the wild.





EquuStyle: What is most important for people and collectors to know about you and your work?


Melody DeBenedicitis: I am convinced that Art can bring change. Art is a form that from its beginnings has always told a story. Art is timeless. I am committed to being one of those artists with a passion to make a difference on behalf of our wild lands and those that call them home.


The importance of preserving our wild places is essential.  To lose the land and the wild would be a loss that cannot be described.  Sanctuaries and preserves are great to have, but the element of "wild" doesn’t exist there like the true wild. Once animals no longer have the social dynamics of "family" etc. between them, they are changed. It's important to recognize "wild" and do our very best to preserve it as it is with as little intervention as possible.



 





EXHIBITION/AWARDS:

2011 MUSTANG MAKEOVER, FORT COLLINS CO

2011 EXTREME MUSTANG MAKEOVER, FORT WORTH TX

2012 MUSTANG MAKEOVER, WY

2011 CHERRY BLOSSOM GALLERY SHOW, CO

2012 SPIRIT OF THE WILD HORSE SHOW, SANTA FE NM

2012 LOVELL MUSTANG DAYS, WY

2012 TERRITORIAL DAYS, NM

2012 STABLES GALLERY “HORSES” SHOW, TAOS NM

2013 WILD HORSE ART SHOW, MAYBELL AND CRAIG CO

2014 LAS VEGAS NM STUDIO TOUR

2015 THUNDERING HOOVES, BEVERLY HILLS CA

2015 THUNDERING HOOVES, TX

2016 THUNDERING HOOVES, MARFA TX

2016 THUNDERING HOOVES, SANTA FE NM

2016 CELEBRATING THE HORSE SHOW, SANTA FE NM

2016 LAS VEGAS ARTS COUNCIL STUDIO TOUR NM

2018 ANGEL FIRE STUDIO TOUR NM

2018 ANGEL FIRE ART UP NM, SECOND PLACE AWARD

2019 THUNDERING HOOVES, FORT DAVIS TX

2019 EQUUS FILM AND ART FEST, SEDONA AZ

2019 WILD MUSTANG SHOW, LIVERMORE CO

2020 SANGRE ART GUILD WESTCLIFFE, FIRST PLACE

2020 EQUUS FILM AND ART FEST, WINNER

2021 EQUUS FILM AND ART FEST, WINNIE WINNER

2022 EQUUS FILM AND ART FEST, RUNNER UP

2022 SANGRE ART GUILD WESTCLIFFE, SPECIAL AWARD

2022 EQUUS FILM AND ART FEST, HONORABLE MENTION AWARD

2022 SANGRE ART GUILD WESTCLIFFE, PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

2022 SANGRE ART GUILD WESTCLIFFE, FIRST PLACE AWARD

2022 EQUUS FILM FESTIVAL, WINNIE WINNER

2022 SANGRE ART GUILD WESTCLIFFE, FIRST PLACE AWARD

2022 VALLEY HARVEST SHOW, BECKWITH RANCH, WESTCLIFFE

2022 SANGRE ART GUILD WESTCLIFFE, SECOND PLACE AWARD

2023 ROCKY MOUNTAIN HORSE EXPO, DENVER CO

2023 COWGIRL GATHERING FORT WORTH STOCKYARDS

2023 MUSTANG SUMMIT, EQUUS FILM AND ART FEST, SECOND PLACE AWARD

2024 365 ART&COLOR ONLINE EXHIBITION/COMPETITION, ARTIST RECOGNITION


OTHER OUTSIDE ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:

"THEIR LAST RIDE” DOCUMENTARY FILM 2016


MEMBERSHIPS:

PRO MEMBER "CGA"- COWGIRL ARTISTS OF AMERICA ASSOCIATE MEMBER "WAOW"- WOMEN ARTISTS OF THE WEST ASSOCIATE MEMBER SANGRES ART GUILD, WESTCLIFFE CO


PAST GALLERY REPRESENTATION:

2012 GRAND TETON GALLERY, JACKSON HOLE WY

2012 CREATIVE SPIRITS GALLERY, FORT COLLINS CO

2014 THOMAS GALLERY, TAOS NM

2016 RUNNING HORSES STUDIO, LAS VEGAS NM

2023 MELODY DEBENEDICTIS FINE ART GALLERY, WESTCLIFFE CO


All images Copyright Melody DeBenedictis -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Melody DeBenedictis.

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Writer's pictureMegan Goheen
May 314 min read

Colorado Horse Rescue: 
Making Strides in Equine Welfare


Updated: Jul 31


In the heart of Colorado, nestled amidst the mountains and sprawling landscapes, exists a haven for creatures that embody grace, strength, and companionship: horses. Since 1986, Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) has been a place of hope, tirelessly working to build a brighter future for horses in need.


CHR's mission is as simple as it is profound: to create safe solutions for every horse, regardless of their past or present circumstances. As a 501(c)(3) impact organization, CHR operates with a clear vision, fueled by passion and dedication.


Horses from all walks of life find refuge when they enter through CHR’s gate. From private owners seeking responsible rehoming to horses rescued from dire situations, CHR welcomes all those in need. These horses often come with unique challenges, be it medical issues or behavioral complexities. Within the embrace of CHR's dedicated team of equine professionals, each horse is given a chance to heal, grow, and thrive.


On a sprawling 50-acre property, CHR operates at full capacity, providing industry-leading care to 60 horses every day. For CHR, the journey extends to rehabilitation, rehoming, and beyond, as they continue to advocate for the welfare of horses everywhere.



COLORADO HORSE RESCUE -WHO WE ARE



 

CHR TAKES THE REINS OF THE ANNIE PROJECT, ADVANCING ITS MISSION


Horses at dude and guest ranches create unforgettable memories, yet their retirement often leads to uncertain fates at auctions, risking falling into the slaughter pipeline. To offer a compassionate alternative, The Annie Project was established in 2017 by Drifter’s Hearts of Hope Horse Rescue, C Lazy U Ranch, and The Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Association. This initiative provides retiring ranch horses a chance at new beginnings through reputable rescues.


The Annie Project was inspired by Annie, a gentle horse from C Lazy U Ranch, discovered in a livestock auction by Drifter’s Hearts of Hope. Annie’s rescue sparked a transformative movement, prompting C Lazy U Ranch to reflect on their responsibility towards their horses’ well-being, even after retirement. Initially nurtured by Drifter’s Hearts of Hope, the project has now been entrusted to Colorado Horse Rescue (CHR) to expand its mission.


C Lazy U Ranch remains a supporter of The Annie Project. In fact, they have partnered with Locke + Co Distilling to craft a limited-edition Aspen Aged Rye whiskey. Each bottle sold at the ranch supports Colorado Horse Rescue, honoring Annie’s legacy and funding the care of retired ranch horses like Annie. 


The Annie Project is a heartwarming testament to compassion and collaboration, ensuring a brighter future for horses by granting these animals the dignified retirement they so richly deserve.


 


Come experience the magic of Colorado Horse Rescue yourself on Saturday, September 21, 2024! As the sun sets over the Colorado horizon, CHR invites you to join them for Mane Event, a celebration of fellowship, fun, and impact.


Set against the backdrop of their picturesque property in Longmont, Mane Event promises an evening of joy and purpose, where guests can experience the CHR mission firsthand. It's an opportunity to become part of a vision-driven community, united in their dedication to making a difference in the lives of horses, today and for generations to come.






 


There are many ways to join CHR in their mission. Volunteers are essential to the organization, contributing their time and skills to support various aspects of their operation. From barn chores to administrative tasks, every pair of hands makes a difference.


For those unable to volunteer, donating offers another avenue of support. Whether through financial contributions, legacy planning, or heartfelt gifts, every donation fuels CHR's efforts to serve more horses and make a lasting impact.


Businesses, too, can play a vital role in supporting CHR's mission through sponsorship. By aligning with CHR, businesses not only demonstrate their commitment to corporate social responsibility but also gain valuable exposure within the community. It's a partnership that benefits both parties while advancing the cause of equine welfare.



 


In keeping with their commitment to serving not only the horses within their gates but also the broader equine community, CHR introduces HorseAlert.


As wildfires increasingly threaten Colorado and beyond, CHR founded HorseAlert after witnessing firsthand the devastating impact of natural disasters on the equine community. Often, horse owners lack trailers, and many facilities have more horses than they can transport during evacuations.

 

HorseAlert, a FREE emergency response tool, connects those needing to evacuate horses with willing volunteers. Just like popular rideshare applications, HorseAlert matches individuals in need with those ready to assist. Join CHR in its mission to safeguard the lives of horses, their caregivers, and fellow evacuees during times of crisis.


Visit HorseAlert.org for more information, to register your horses, and to volunteer as a driver.




Colorado Horse Rescue remains a steadfast ally for horses in need, driven by compassion and commitment. With innovative solutions and the unwavering support of the community, it continues to create safe solutions for horses in need. Join CHR’s mission, as together, strides are made towards a world where all horses know safety, healing, and love.


 









EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Megan Goheen, Marketing Associate, Colorado Horse Rescue for writing an excellent article and sharing photographs and videos. Our sincere thanks to the staff, volunteers, and board members for using their time, talents, and energy to "build a better world for horses, one life at at time" .


All images Copyright Colorado Horse Rescue -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Colorado Horse Rescue.


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Writer's pictureAdam Daurio
May 313 min read

Equine-assisted Services: For the Benefit of Horses and Humans Alike

Updated: Jun 6


World-renowned Autism advocate and livestock handling and welfare expert, Dr. Temple Grandin, claims “Horses were my salvation.  Horses saved my life.”  Therefore, it was natural to create an initiative in Dr. Grandin’s honor where horses and the horse environment were studied and used to help benefit human lives as well as where those studies also focused on equine welfare and the horse’s role in society.  Voiila, the Temple Grandin Equine Center!


The Temple Grandin Equine Center (TGEC) is Colorado State University’s initiative focused on research, education, and outreach in equine-assisted services (EAS).  Named after CSU Professor of Animal Sciences, Dr. Temple Grandin, the TGEC operates out of two locations: the flagship center is at the CSU Foothills Campus in Fort Colorado, CO (https://agsci.colostate.edu/tgec/) and the second center has recently opened at the CSU Spur campus at the National Western Center in Denver, CO (https://csuspur.org/tgec/).  Both centers have research studies pertaining to EAS and host EAS programs and services such as occupational and physical therapy, mental health counseling, and therapeutic and adaptive horsemanship.  The TGEC in Fort Collins is home to undergraduate education focused on EAS, while TGEC at CSU Spur hosts internships and fieldwork for high school, undergraduate, graduate, and PhD students.



Research is the foundation of the TGEC.  Commencing in 2015, TGEC faculty and students performed a Systematic Mapping Review of the EAS industry to determine the state of knowledge based on scientific research studies and results.  Since that time, the TGEC’s research efforts have included three ongoing programs of research:   1) Continued Mapping Reviews of the literature on EAS, 2) Occupational Therapy in an Equine Environment for Youth with Autism Spectrum Disorder, and 3) Adaptive Riding for older adults with dementia. 


Additionally, the TGEC has identified six emerging initiatives in which TGEC researchers have engaged with a diverse collective of practitioners and researchers in Colorado and nationally: 1) Practice and Safety Patters of OT, PT, and SLP Incorporating Equine Movement, 2) Therapeutic Riding for Youth with Autism, 3) Optimal Terminology for Services that Incorporate Horses to Benefit People, 4) Psychotherapy Incorporating Horses for Transition-aged Students, 5) Measuring Participant Outcomes of Community-based Adaptive/Therapeutic Riding, and 6) Effects of Equine-assisted Social-emotional Learning on Human and Equine Wellbeing.


The TGEC is proud to boast an elite leadership team of industry experts.  Dr. Sharon Butler, DVM, CTRI and Associate Professor is the Program Coordinator of the TGEC center in Fort Collins.  Debbie Mogor, PTA, CTRI, and Registered Therapist is the Program Coordinator of the TGEC center at CSU Spur.  Dr. Caiti Peters, PhD, OTR/L and Assistant Professor is the Director of Research. 

For more information about the TGEC research, education, or programming, any one of these individuals can be contacted, as well as the Director of the TGEC and the Associate Director of Equine Sciences, Adam Daurio, Esq.



The TGEC was recently featured by the City of Denver in their Elevating Denver campaign, which showcases people and programs making positive impact in Denver.




Launching the TGEC program at the CSU Spur campus was also featured as a premiere University program through STATE, The Magazine of Colorado State University System, and that story can be read here https://magazine.csusystem.edu/2022/01/03/a-gift-horse/.


Visiting the TGEC facility in Fort Collins is by appointment only and can be scheduled by calling (970) 491-1651.  Visiting hours at the TGEC facility at CSU Spur are between 10am and 5pm Monday through Friday and the second Saturday of every month.



This video explores the unique role of the horse with providing comprehensive therapy to help individuals heal from physical, emotional, and developmental challenges.




Temple Grandin at the Exceptional Rodeo. Each year the Temple Grandin Equine Center at CSU Spur hosts the PRCA Pro Rodeo's Exceptional Rodeo — an adaptive, accessible rodeo for children of all abilities.









 

EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Adam Daurio, Director of Administration and Outreach at Colorado State University, for writing an excellent article and sharing photographs. Our sincere thanks to Dr. Temple Grandin for her outstanding contributions to the humane treatment of livestock and autism.


All images Copyright Temple Grandin Equine Center and Colorado State University -all rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced for any purpose without permission from Temple Grandin Equine Center or Colorado State University.


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