Rocky Mountain Horse Expo held Gladius at the Denver Western Stock Show Event Center

The Rocky Mountain Horse Expo held at the Denver Western Stock Show Event Center hosted this three-day event known as Gladius. Gladius describes themselves as, “an acrobatic equestrian production”, created by Erik Martonovich and Alethea Shelton, two of the original cast members of the international touring sensation Cavalia.Their show features extremely talented equestrian and equine athletes performing amazing tricks silhouetted with beautiful, dramatic lighting.  This team is made up of equestrian vaulting specialists, aerial performers and a recently added contortionist.  The show is loosely based on mythology and Gladiators.  When the lights go down this team will transport you back in time with their combination of sword fights, chariots, trick riders and Roman riders all the while incorporating aerial stunts and their breathtaking athletic talents.

This show is definitely a feast for the eyes!  There is never a dull moment. The team incorporates vaulting, Roman riding and aerial performances, which are seamlessly woven together into a masterful exhibition of athleticism and horsemanship. 

After the show, they held a VIP Meet & Greet with their fans where kids of all ages could shake hands, pose for a picture with the Gladius stars, and have a chance to get up close with their well-trained horses.  It was quite a unique opportunity to get to talk about trick riding and vaulting with the experts.

The Gladius team calls typically calls Las Vegas home but several members have strong ties to Colorado allowing them to make their way up here to entertain all of us here. It was a most amazing night with many twists, turns and plenty of visual stimulation. Check them out if you are ever in Vegas! Gladius has recently started a gofundme in hopes of bringing their show on a full US tour.  click here to be taken to their website and find out more on how you can help bring them to a city near you!

Thanks for the read and make sure to stay tuned to our event page so you do not miss out on a single thing happening in the Denver scene!

Written by Melissa Polk
Photos by Melissa Polk