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

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

High Plains Glory 24" x 30" Oil on Gallery Wrap

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.

Tree Hugger 36" x 48" Oil on Canvas

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.

At Copper Pond 30" x 30" Oil on Canvas

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.

Wide Open Wild 24"x 30" Oil on Canvas

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.

Storm A Comin" 30" x 40" Oil on Canvas

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.

Watchful Drinker 30" x 30" Oil

Wild Connection 36" x 36" Oil

Snow Cat 36" x 48" Oil

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.

Bays And Blues 30" x 40" Oil on Gallery Wrap available at https://www.melodydebenedictis.com

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Melody DeBenedictis

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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.

#melodydebenedictis #wildlifeartist #award-winningwildlifeartist #wildhorseartist #wildmustangartist #horseart #equineart #equinefinart #wildmustangs #wildhorses #wildhorseadvocate #horses #equustyle #equustylemagazine

Operation Equine: Harnessing the Healing Power of Horses for Military Service Members, Veterans, First Responders, and Their Families

Operation Equine serving the Aurora Fire Peer Support Team at Praying Hands Ranch

Operation Equine offers transformative equine assisted therapy experiences tailored specifically for military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families, as well as for organizations who also serve our country’s Warriors and Protectors.

Founded on the belief in every human’s innate capacity for resilience, and the understanding of the profound healing bond between humans and horses, Operation Equine operates from a holistic approach, combining the naturally curious, powerful, and relational personalities of horses with evidence-based therapeutic techniques. Our team comprises experienced mental health therapists, certified equine specialists, and our multifaceted equine partners, providing a safe and non-judgmental environment for all participants.

Josh receiving a horse hug

How Operation Equine Works

Building trust is a foundational aspect of our program, mirroring the process of earning a horse's trust. By learning how to calm their nervous systems using mindful breathing and grounding techniques, and by practicing patience and the power of observation, participants learn to establish connections with their equine partners, fostering an environment of honest communication and relationship-building, encouraging them to embody what it truly means to feel present in the here-and-now.

Most sessions include ground-based activities such as grooming, leading, groundwork exercises, and experiential exercises specifically designed for building self-confidence, improving communication skills, and encouraging emotional regulation, fostering a sense of empowerment and connection: both individually and with their families.

For those grappling with the challenges of post-traumatic stress, moral injury, depression, anxiety, military sexual trauma, transition stress, and family challenges, the therapeutic presence of horses provides a calming and grounding influence, allowing participants to learn and/or regain a sense of agency within themselves, develop healthier coping strategies, and forge a renewed sense of purpose for themselves and for their families in a therapeutic, non-clinical environment.

WARRIOR Pack Trip Video 2020 Award at Equus Film Festival

Our signature program - The WARRIOR Pack Trip - incorporates the best of what we do on the ground with the experiential nature of wilderness therapy by hiring professional outfitters to take small groups of Veterans out on horseback, culminating in an integrative 6-day experience. This program is intended to not only partner with our participants to help them set and reach their personal goals, but also to provide the teamwork, camaraderie, and renewed sense of purpose that they yearn for.

By harnessing the innate wisdom, sensitivity, and relational nature of horses, Operation Equine

offers the unwavering support of a community dedicated to our participants’ ultimate well-being,

providing sanctuary where wounds are transformed into sources of strength, self-acceptance, and resilience.

Founder Michelle Kaye

WARRIOR Pack Trip participants

Training - Praying Hands Ranch

Through our innovative approach and our culturally competent providers, we honor the courage, the passion, the creativity, and natural leadership of military service members, veterans, first responders, and their families, reminding them of a brighter future filled with more possibility, self-forgiveness, and renewed purpose.

Equine-assisted therapy resonates deeply with veterans for several reasons:

1. Nonverbal Communication: Veterans often struggle to verbalize their experiences and emotions, especially those related to trauma. Horses communicate primarily through body language, offering a nonverbal avenue for veterans to express themselves and feel understood without the pressure of articulating their thoughts.
   

2. Trust and Agency: Veterans who have experienced trauma may struggle with issues of trust and self-regulation. Working with horses requires building trust and mutual respect, allowing veterans to regain a sense of agency in their interactions. As they develop a bond with their equine partners, veterans experience a shift in perspective, realizing that trust can be earned and agency over oneself can be regained.
   

3. Presence and Mindfulness: Horses are inherently present creatures, attuned to their surroundings and the emotions of those around them. Through interacting with horses, veterans learn to be present in the moment, practicing mindfulness and grounding techniques that help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, “checking out,” and hyperarousal.
   

4. Empowerment and Self-Reflection: Equine-assisted activities often involve setting and achieving goals, whether it's guiding a horse through an obstacle course or building a relationship through grooming. These accomplishments foster a sense of empowerment and self-efficacy, allowing veterans to see their strengths and capabilities in action. Additionally, horses are highly perceptive animals that reflect back the emotions and behaviors of those around them. Through observing the responses of their equine partners, veterans gain insight into their own emotions and behaviors, facilitating self-awareness and self-reflection.
   

5. Connection and Community: It’s about community: Military Service Members operate in “units,” horses operate in a herd. Equine-assisted therapy provides a unique opportunity for veterans to connect with others who share similar experiences. Group sessions foster camaraderie and support, creating a sense of belonging and community that is crucial for healing and recovery. The shared bond of working with horses and with each other transcends verbal communication, creating a space where veterans can feel more connected, less “on guard,” and better understood.

Annual Barnyard Julilee!

Help to support our Military Service Members, Veterans, and their families through the unique power of working with horses.

Save the date for Wednesday, September 18 to celebrate Operation Equine's 5-year anniversary and annual Barnyard Jubilee! Follow us on Facebook for tickets and more information as it becomes available.

Follow Us on Facebook

Operation Equine's 5th Anniversary Celebration & Barnyard Jubilee Fundraiser

Barnyard Jubilee

2023 Hero Awards Winner - Community, Michelle Kaye & Opertion Equine

Operation Equine

Operation Equine Team

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EquuStyle Art & Travel magazine thanks Michelle Kaye, Founder and Executive Director, Operation Equine for writing an excellent article and sharing photographs. Our sincere thanks to everyone involved in Operation Equine for providing equine-assisted services for Active Military Members, Veterans, First Responders, and thier families.

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

#OperationEquine #equine-assistedtherapy #VeteransEquinePrograms #FirstResponders #ActiveMilitaryMembers #horseshelpingpeople #equine-assistedservices #mentalhealthservices #therapyhorses #equustyle #equustylemagazine

Colorado Horse Rescue: Making Strides in Equine Welfare

Happy horses gallop in a pasture at Colorado Horse Rescue in Longmont, Colorado

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.

Patrick and Mac sharing a moment

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

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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.

Gentle horse Annie inspired The Annie Project

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.

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MANE EVENT AT THE RANCH

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.

Mane Event Fundraiser

Mane Event at the Ranch

Musicians at CHR's Mane Event

Purchase Tickets Now!

Please explore sponsorship table packages.

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GET INVOLVED

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.

Volunteers making a difference at Colorado Horse Rescue

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.

Explore Volunteer Opportunities | Donate | Sponsor CHR 

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HorseAlert is a FREE emergency response tool

HORSEALERT

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.

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Colorado Horse Rescue

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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.

#coloradohorserescue #HorseAlert #ManeEventAtTheRanch #horserescue #horseadoption #rescuehorse #rehominghorses #HorseAlert #PEAKchallenge #TheAnnieProject #horses #equustyle #equustylemagazine