About Big Horse Productions and Events
Our Ranch: The Field of Dreams
Since 2010, Gladius Ranch has been built by hand, by heart, and by horses.
Big Horse Productions was founded by Erik Martonovich and Alethea Shelton — two original cast members of Cavalia who left the big tents behind to build something of their own. Over fifteen years, what began as a vision has grown into a working ranch, a world-class training ground, and a sanctuary for the horses who make this work possible.
Then COVID came, and the big stages went quiet.
So we came home to Las Vegas — and opened the gates for free.
That decision changed everything. It reminded us why we built this place. Not for an audience of ticket-buyers, but for anyone willing to show up and witness something real. Free shows. Open gates. World-class equestrian performance for the whole community.
That spirit is now the foundation of BHP Events, our nonprofit, which brings free performances to Las Vegas while supporting equine rescue, education, and lifelong care for our horses.
Every acre developed, every facility built, every performance we've given over fifteen-plus years has been driven by the same belief: that the partnership between horse and human is worth sharing — with everyone.
We're proud of what's been built here. And we're just getting started.
Our Horses: The Heart of BHP Events
They are not props. They are not backdrop. They are the reason any of this exists.
Every horse at Gladius Ranch arrives with a history — some rescued from kill pens, some donated, some carefully sought out to fill a specific role on the team. Regardless of how they came to us, what matters is what happens next: they are seen, they are known, and they are given work that fits who they are.
Our herd is genuinely diverse — Percherons and Belgians built like monuments, Norwegian Fjords with their ancient, steady presence, Aztecas bred at the intersection of power and grace, Haflingers with more personality than they know what to do with, and miniature horses who somehow command every room they enter. Different breeds, different histories, different gifts — all of them essential.
We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to horsemanship. Each animal is developed with patience, studied over time, and placed in a role that suits their nature — whether that's carrying a performer at full gallop, connecting quietly with someone who needs healing, or simply being present for a crowd that's never stood this close to something this alive.
The partnerships you witness in a Gladius performance aren't choreographed in the conventional sense. They're built over years — through trust, repetition, and genuine relationship. That depth is what you feel when you watch. It's not spectacle. It's something truer than that.
We are obsessed with these animals. Unapologetically. They are the foundation, the collaborators, and the soul of everything we do.
Come meet them.
Our Crew: The Heartbeat of BHP Events
At BHP Events, we’re more than a team—we’re family.
Some of us have been working together for over 30 years, building a foundation of trust, respect, and shared passion. When you’re flying through the air on a moving horse, that kind of trust isn’t optional—it’s everything.
Together, we’ve created a group of dedicated performers, educators, and horsemen who pour their hearts into every show, every practice, and every moment behind the scenes. From the performances you see to the care you don’t, every detail matters.
Our story is rooted in community. Longtime partners like One-Eyed Fats BBQ and the incredible Golden Gate Vaulting Team—along with their families—have helped shape the energy, support, and spirit that make this place what it is.
This is more than a production.
It’s a community built on connection, commitment, and a deep love for the horses.
And we’re honored to share it with you.