Meet Our Team

 Our training team is composed of a diverse and highly experienced group of professionals who bring a wide range of backgrounds, disciplines, and teaching styles to our program. Each trainer has developed their skills through extensive hands-on experience in riding, instruction, horse behavior, and daily horse care, allowing them to effectively work with riders and horses of all levels, ages, and goals.

Our instructors represent multiple equestrian disciplines, creating a well-rounded and adaptable learning environment. This diversity allows instruction to be individualized rather than standardized, taking into account each rider’s learning style, experience level, and personal goals. We incorporate an understanding of rider psychology into our teaching approach, recognizing that effective learning requires patience, consistency, and clear communication. By breaking concepts down into manageable steps and providing structured, supportive guidance, riders are able to develop a strong sense of self-assurance and trust in both themselves and their horses.

All instruction is rooted in a combination of classical and natural horsemanship principles, emphasizing correct biomechanics, horse psychology, ethical training methods, and safe handling practices. This balanced approach promotes thoughtful decision-making, emotional regulation, and a deeper understanding of how horses think, learn, and respond to their environment.

Our team is committed to ongoing education, professional growth, and maintaining a high standard of care and professionalism. Their collective experience ensures that each horse and rider receives consistent, individualized instruction designed to encourage steady progress, mental resilience, and a confident, independent skill set both in and out of the arena.

 Melissa Ashcraft founded Transitions Equestrian Center in 2013 and has developed a respected program centered on thoughtful horsemanship and well-rounded training. A Grand Prix level dressage competitor, she holds the United States Dressage Federation Bronze and Silver Medals and has earned scores toward her Gold Medal. Her background spans multiple disciplines including dressage, jumping, English and western pleasure, driving, western dressage, reining, natural horsemanship, and trick training.

She is also a multiple World Champion Friesian rider and has successfully guided riders through advanced levels of dressage, including the FEI Young Rider level. Her training emphasizes strong fundamentals, correct biomechanics, and a deep understanding of horse behavior, helping both horses and riders develop confidence, balance, and long-term success.

Melissa regularly teaches clinics and works with riders throughout the United States and internationally. She has taught clinics and private lessons in Australia, France, and Spain, and has traveled to Australia 3 times to work with horses and riders through training and instruction.

In addition to her work as a trainer and clinician, Melissa has performed and competed throughout the United States and Canada and has been invited to present demonstrations and performances at major equestrian expos and events, often performing in front of audiences of more than 10,000 people.

Earlier in her career, she spent 6 years touring as a main rider with the World Famous Lipizzan Stallion Show, performing across North America in front of audiences that often exceeded 10,000 spectators.

Her performance horses and training program have been featured in national equestrian publications including Dressage Today, Horse Illustrated, and Horse & Rider, as well as television programs and film. The Majestic Friesian Stallions appeared in the film Albion: The Enchanted Stallion and were later honored as Breyer model horses.

Melissa also helped establish Bon Cheval, a wellness brand focused on high-quality CBD products designed to support the health and well-being of horses, riders, dogs, and cats.

Melissa’s training philosophy blends classical principles with thoughtful, ethical horsemanship, emphasizing correct biomechanics, communication, and the individual needs of each horse and rider. Her goal is to create an environment where horses and riders can progress with confidence while developing a lasting partnership.

 Jan Weinig serves as the Event Coordinator, overseeing the planning and organization of all special events at the barn. She coordinates birthday parties, field trips, private gatherings, and any outside events hosted on the property. From the earliest planning stages through the final details, Jan ensures that every event runs smoothly while creating a welcoming and memorable experience for guests of all age

Jan brings over 23 years of experience working alongside Melissa Ashcraft, making her a deeply trusted and essential part of daily operations. Her dedication, organization, and creativity help support both the educational and performance programs at Transitions Equestrian Center.

In addition to her event responsibilities, Jan is highly respected for designing and creating performance costumes for both horses and riders. Her work combines safety, comfort, and visual impact, helping elevate performances in the show arena. She has also contributed her skills to costume creation for the world-famous Lipizzan Stallion Show, showcasing her craftsmanship on a highly respected international stage.

Jan’s background is uniquely diverse. 

For over 28 years, Jan happily served as Head Zookeeper and Director of the Education Department at the Washington Park Zoo in Michigan City, Indiana. During her time there, she was responsible for raising and training numerous animals for educational programs, including baby bears, lions, and baboons. Her work focused on creating safe, engaging opportunities for the public to learn about wildlife and conservation.

Some of the animals she helped raise later appeared in films, commercials, and live entertainment productions, including bears featured in “The Bear 2,” national advertising campaigns, and a white tiger that performed in Blackstone the Magician’s show. Her work with baboons, bears, and lions also led to features in television programs, newspapers, and magazines, recognizing her dedication to animal care and education.

Today, Jan’s wide range of experience, creativity, and commitment make her a much-needed and highly valued part of Transitions Equestrian Center. Her ability to organize memorable events, support performances, and bring enthusiasm to every project helps create the positive and family-oriented environment the barn is known for.

Emily Dismore works alongside Melissa Ashcraft, head trainer at Transitions Equestrian Center, and is an important part of the center’s training program. With over a decade of professional experience, Emily is a multiple  championship winner from Friesian World Championships and holds a Riding Master Level 6 certification from Meredith Manor International Equestrian Center.

Emily’s primary focus is horse training and development. She works with horses in the training program to build strong foundations, improve rideability, and address gaps in their education. While she does not teach regular riding lessons often, she does work with the owners of horses in training to help them understand their horse’s program and continue the progress being made.

Her training background is rooted in jumping and classical dressage, though her experience extends across multiple disciplines including western dressage and the development of balanced, reliable trail horses. Emily is especially skilled at identifying and correcting foundational weaknesses in both young and experienced horses, helping them become confident, athletic, and reliable partners.

Emily has also traveled internationally with Melissa, accompanying her to Australia for training and team experiences. She has performed with the Performance Stallions on Breyer Horses at major equestrian events including BreyerFest, Equine Affaire, and other exhibitions.

Emily is passionate about developing well-rounded horses and helping riders better understand and communicate with their horses through thoughtful, consistent training.