Through Blue Horse Sanctuary, the Dallas-area artist connects her lifelong equine artwork with a mission to provide sanctuary and raise awareness for horses in need.
September 10, 2026
As renewed attention to the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act brings the welfare of American horses into the national conversation, Texas artist Mel Auberty is using a language she knows well–painting–to help tell their story.
For decades, horses have been central to Auberty’s work, appearing in her paintings, drawings and sculptures. Her bold, often large-scale depictions honor the strength, majesty and sensitivity of horses.
Auberty’s inspiration eventually grew beyond the canvas with the founding of Blue Horse Sanctuary in 2022, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit located near Glen Rose, Texas, dedicated to providing lifelong care and a safe home for horses and donkeys in need.
Since founding Blue Horse Sanctuary, Auberty has donated 100% of the income from her equine art directly to the sanctuary.
The mission of the sanctuary takes on particular relevance as attention turns to the Save America’s Forgotten Equines (SAFE) Act, proposed federal legislation intended to prohibit horse slaughter in the United States and prevent American horses from being transported across U.S. borders for slaughter.
To date, Blue Horse Sanctuary has provided a lifelong home to 47 horses whose stories range from Boone and Blanca, an unnamed pair rescued just days before they were to be sent to slaughter in Mexico, to retired cutting and performance horses, former racehorses, neglected and injured animals, and beloved companions whose owners could no longer care for them. 16 donkeys have also been rescued.
“I started Blue Horse Sanctuary because I wanted to give back to the horses in a way that was meaningful–our focus is older, injured horses, because in general, they’re considered disposable,” says Auberty.
Through her art, Auberty hopes people will see horses not simply as subjects or commodities, but as individual animals worthy of care and protection.
“It is my hope that these paintings and sculptures will channel much positive energy and passion, as well as mobilize public support for equine welfare,” says Auberty.
For Auberty, it is a creative act of mutual respect: honoring animals deeply attuned to human hearts and minds with the dignity, care and protection they deserve.
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Learn more about Mel Auberty: melauberty.com
Learn more about Blue Horse Sanctuary: bluehorsesanctuary.org