BREYER MODEL HORSES & MOVIE STARS
Melissa Ashcraft has trained and worked with several high-profile performance stallions throughout her career, helping develop horses known for their success in film, live performance, expos, and media appearances. Among these are standout horses including Prodigy, Nitrous, Dolci Vita, and Valor, all of which have contributed to the strong reputation of the Transitions Equestrian Center training program.
One of the most notable horses Melissa worked with is Nitrous of Majestic Friesians, owned by Lori Brock of Majestic Friesians Horse Farm. Nitrous portrayed the enchanted stallion Dag Dia in the feature film Albion: The Enchanted Stallion. He appeared in the majority of scenes throughout the movie and was later honored with his own Breyer model horse, recognizing his role on screen. Nitrous was also a featured evening show performer at BreyerFest 2016, performing in front of thousands of spectators. Filming for the production took place in Michigan, Florida, and Bulgaria. Nitrous is a multiple World Champion, as are several of the other Majestic Friesians stallions involved in the film.
Another standout stallion, Ezra, was originally sent from Canada to Melissa for training and development before being sold to new ownership. He later continued his work with Redha Gharsa, one of Melissa’s former mentors from the Lipizzan Stallions program. Ezra’s name honors one of his owners, Rhiannon Barreda, a retired U.S. Army MEDEVAC helicopter pilot, whose missions were often referred to as “Battlefield Angel” flights in combat. Known for his striking pinto coloring and exceptionally calm, willing temperament, Ezra went on to achieve major success in the show ring, earning titles including two-time Grand Champion in Dressage, Grand Champion Dressage Sporthorse Stallion in Hand, and Reserve Champion Friesian Stallion in Hand at the 2021 International Friesian Show Horse Association World & Grand National Championships.
Nitrous of Majestic Friesians, A.K.A. Dag Dia
Ezra “Battlefield Angel”
ON THE BIG SCREEN — FILM & TELEVISION APPEARANCES
MELISSA AND KAYNE FILMING ZERO DAY WITH ROBERT DE NIRO
Melissa Ashcraft and her black German Shepherd Kayne traveled to New York City to work as background performers in the Netflix political thriller miniseries Zero Day.
During filming, Melissa and Kayne spent time walking alongside Robert De Niro, who stars as former U.S. President George Mullen. The series also features a strong cast including Angela Bassett, Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Joan Allen, and Connie Britton.
Zero Day, released on February 20, 2025, is a six-episode political thriller created by Eric Newman, Noah Oppenheim, and Michael Schmidt, and directed by Lesli Linka Glatter. The story follows former President Mullen as he leads an investigation into a devastating nationwide cyberattack.
The project marked Robert De Niro’s first starring role in a television series, where he also served as a producer.
MELISSA & KAYNE — FBI: MOST WANTED
Melissa Ashcraft and her black German Shepherd Kayne traveled to New York City to work as background performers on the television crime drama FBI: Most Wanted, starring Dylan McDermott. The series follows an elite FBI task force that tracks and captures some of the country’s most dangerous fugitives.
During filming, Kayne demonstrated a calm temperament and strong focus, handling the fast-paced environment of a professional television set with confidence. While on set, Melissa also had the opportunity to meet Dylan McDermott and his dog, Otis, making the experience even more memorable.
This appearance added to Melissa’s growing involvement in film and television productions, showcasing both her versatility and Kayne’s reliability in busy, high-energy settings.
BRAVO FEATURED ON ESPN+ WITH PEYTON & ELI MANNING
Melissa Ashcraft's horse Bravo was featured in a special Halloween Ghostbusters-themed skit filmed at the University of Notre Dame for the ESPN+ programs Peyton’s Places and Eli’s Places. The segment starred NFL legends Peyton Manning, Eli Manning, and Jerome Bettis, who appeared in character as the iconic ghost-hunting team.
Filmed in South Bend, Indiana, the lighthearted feature blended sports history, entertainment, and performance elements. Melissa and Bravo’s participation added an equestrian highlight to the production, showcasing Bravo’s calm temperament and professionalism while working in a busy film environment alongside high-profile athletes and a full production crew.
The appearance marked another memorable television and media credit for Melissa and her performance horses.
FRANK SINATRA (“FRANKIE”) — NATIONAL TELEVISION APPEARANCE
Frank Sinatra — known as Frankie — was featured on the Today Show Halloween special, appearing in a special performance segment filmed in the streets of New York City. His appearance on national television was a direct result of the dedication, training, and vision of his owner and rider, Meridith Vallillo.
Frankie was originally purchased as a project horse and began his early training at Transitions Equestrian Center. From the beginning, Meridith closely followed his progress and eventually made him her own. Through her consistent training, commitment, and belief in his potential, she has continued to develop Frankie into the standout performer he is today.
Under Meridith’s care, Frankie has advanced significantly in his training and performance career, leading to exciting opportunities such as his appearance on national television. His success is a reflection of her hard work, horsemanship, and dedication to helping him reach his full potential.
HUNTER FILMING "BETTER THE END" IN CHICAGO
Transitions Equestrian Center’s lesson horse Hunter also made an appearance on set in Chicago for the film Better the End, which premiered in February 2016. Hunter handled the busy city environment with ease, demonstrating a calm and professional temperament during filming—even while working on a closed street in downtown Chicago.
Members of the Transitions team involved in the filming included Melissa Ashcraft, Agnieszka Turek, Emily Dinsmore, and Kerry Malonie.
It was a memorable experience for both the horse and the team, showcasing Hunter’s reliability and versatility both in and out of the arena.
Dolci Vita — The Founder’s Beer Mascot
Dolci Vita also holds a special place as the Founder’s Beer Mascot and is featured on select beer labels connected to events and celebrations. Her image represents creativity, personality, and the joy of enjoying the journey while working toward meaningful goals. Much like the dedication required in training and horsemanship, her presence reflects hard work, passion, and the importance of celebrating milestones along the way. Dolci Vita is trained by Melissa Ashcraft of Transitions Equestrian Center and is proudly owned by Lori Brock of Majestic Friesians. Her appearance on these labels has become a unique and recognizable symbol connected to memorable moments, community gatherings, and the spirit of achievement.
FEATURED IN MAGAZINES & MEDIA
Dressage Today
Albion: The Enchanted Stallion and the Majestic Friesians stallions were prominently featured in a six-page article in Dressage Today Magazine — a major international publication in the dressage and equestrian industry. The feature, titled “Friesians on Film,” highlighted Nitrous of Majestic Friesians, A.K.A. Dag Dia, along with the extensive training and preparation by Melissa Ashcraft and the role of Lori Brock’s Friesian stallions in bringing the enchanted stallion to life on screen.
This in-depth feature recognized the horses’ success in film, their performance careers, and the teamwork behind the production, making it a significant media highlight for Transitions Equestrian Center and Majestic Friesians.
Horse Illustrated
It was a true honor to be featured in Horse Illustrated Magazine. The article highlighted Melissa Ashcraft, Transitions Equestrian Center, and the Majestic Friesians horses for their work in the film Albion: The Enchanted Stallion, including Nitrous of Majestic Friesians, who portrayed the enchanted stallion Dag Dia.
Nitrous was also honored with a 2013 Breyer Special Edition model horse, recognizing his role in the film and his status as a Breyer Celebrity Horse.
Young Rider Magazine
A multi-page article in Young Rider Magazine highlighted Lori Brock and Majestic Friesians, along with the horses featured in the film Albion: The Enchanted Stallion. The article also featured Melissa Ashcraft and Transitions Equestrian Center, highlighting the training and work behind the Friesian stallions used in the film, including Nitrous of Majestic Friesians, who portrayed the enchanted stallion Dag Dia.
Horse Daily with Mary Phelps
In 2012, a training facility that Melissa helped design, build, and develop from the ground up officially opened to the public.
That same year, renowned horsewoman and respected industry journalist Mary Phelps visited the facility to interview Melissa for Horse Daily Magazine. Known for her long-standing influence in the equestrian world and her coverage of top riders and programs across the country, Mary’s feature highlighted the vision behind the training program and the work being done with the horses.
Horse Nation
International Barouque Horse
The film Albion: The Enchanted Stallion — featuring Nitrous of Majestic Friesians, A.K.A. Dag Dia — was reviewed by Horse Nation. The review highlighted the film’s fantasy storyline, well-known cast, and the striking presence of the Friesian stallion featured throughout the movie.
The article also noted the beauty, obedience, and on-screen performance of the stallion, recognizing the professional training and handling required for film production work.
International Barouque Horse
International Barouque Horse
Albion: The Enchanted Stallion and the Friesian stallions featured in the film were highlighted in a seven-page international feature in Baroque Horse Magazine.
The article showcased the horses’ role in the movie, their training, and the work of Melissa Ashcraft and the Majestic Friesians team, including Nitrous of Majestic Friesians, A.K.A. Dag Dia, the enchanted stallion portrayed on screen.
PHRYSO — Netherlands Magazine
The Majestic Friesians horses and their work in the film Albion: The Enchanted Stallion were showcased in Phryso Magazine, a leading Friesian horse publication sold in the Netherlands.
The article highlighted the horses’ roles in the movie, their training, and the international recognition of Nitrous of Majestic Friesians, A.K.A. Dag Dia, along with the work of Melissa Ashcraft and the Transitions Equestrian Center team.
LaPorte County Life
Since 2013, Melissa Ashcraft has owned and operated Transitions Equestrian Center in La Porte, Indiana. The facility is a boarding and training center known for developing talented performance horses, several of which have gone on to appear in films, television, and media features.
The article highlights Melissa’s journey, her horses, and the work being done at Transitions Equestrian Center.
The Beacher
.Transitions Equestrian Center was recently featured in The Beacher, in an article written by Matt Cunningham. The piece highlights Melissa Ashcraft, Transitions Equestrian Center, and the Majestic Friesians movie stallions Nitrous, Prodigy, and Dolce Vita, owned by Lori Calka Brock and featured in the film Albion: The Enchanted Stallion.
The article offers an inside look at the horses, the team, and their involvement in film and performances.
Great Life Magazine
We were hoppy to be featured in LaPorteCounty Life, which highlighted Melissa Ashcraft, Transitions Equestrian Center, and the performance horses that have helped build the program’s reputation.
The article shares Melissa’s journey of opening Transitions in 2013 after years of traveling and performing around the world, as well as her vision of creating a facility that combines horsemanship, creativity, and entertainment.
The feature also discusses the training program at Transitions, the success of the horses in competitions and performances, and the variety of events offered at the facility, including horse shows, camps, clinics, and special themed performances.
It was a wonderful opportunity to share our story and passion for horses with the community.
Wild Wild West Featured In SOUTH BEND TRIBUNE
A Lipizzaner Revel THE DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL
Transitions Equestrian Center and Melissa Ashcraft were featured in the South Bend Tribune for the “Wild Wild West Equestrian Variety Show” held at the Michiana Events Center in Shipshewana
. The article highlighted Melissa’s background touring internationally with the Lipizzan Stallions, as well as her role in creating and producing the theatrical equestrian performance.
Several Transitions performance horses, including the Friesian stallion Prodigy and Andalusian gelding Invictus, were featured in the show alongside an all-star lineup of equestrian performers from around the world. Including big stars such as Dan James, Orest, Jessie Peters and mote! The event combined horsemanship, storytelling, music, and theatrical elements, showcasing Melissa’s vision of bringing performance art and horses together for a unique audience experience.
A Lipizzaner Revel THE DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL
A Lipizzaner Revel THE DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL
Melissa Ashcraft and the World-Famous Lipizzan Stallions were featured in the Daytona Beach News-Journal during a performance at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida. The article highlighted the long history and mystique of the legendary Lipizzan breed, as well as the traveling show that brings classical dressage performances to audiences across the country.
Melissa was interviewed as one of the riders with the touring production, sharing her experience working with the renowned stallions and the high level of training required to perform with these historic horses.
HORSEMAN’S CORRAL
Melissa Ashcraft was honored to be featured in Horseman’s Corral Magazine, in a special write-up by well-known announcer and industry professional Joe Coalter in the column “Notes From Inside the Corral.”
The issue also featured Friesian stallion Albert on the cover, showcasing his striking presence and talent. The feature highlighted Melissa’s training program, her performance horses, and her continued work within the equestrian industry.
THE FRIESIAN HORSE ASSOCIATION MAGAZINE
Majestic Friesians Horse Farm, owned by Lori Brock, has been recognized in Friesian breed publications connected to FHANA. Her exceptional mare Zen Dame van Dream Gait gained international attention following her successful 2018 inspection season, earning titles including Central Mare Show Champion and the Vanderploeg North American Breeder’s Award, and becoming the first mare featured on the cover of The Friesian Magazine.
The program’s success has also extended into film and media, with Majestic Friesians stallions Nitrous and Hans appearing in the fantasy film Albion: The Enchanted Stallion. Nitrous, who portrayed Dag Dia, was later honored with his own Breyer model horse.
RANKED #2 IN HORSE ILLUSTRATED & YOUNG RIDER’S “25 BEST HORSE MOVIES”
RANKED #2 IN HORSE ILLUSTRATED & YOUNG RIDER’S “25 BEST HORSE MOVIES”
To celebrate milestone anniversaries, both Horse Illustrated and Young Rider Magazine released features highlighting the “25 Best Horse Movies,” showcasing a mix of classic favorites and modern equestrian films. Albion: The Enchanted Stallion — featuring Nitrous of Majestic Friesians, A.K.A. Dag Dia — was proudly ranked #2 on the list.
This recognition reflects the film’s popularity within the equestrian community and highlights the memorable on-screen performance of the Friesian stallion featured throughout the movie.