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Big Horse Productions has been breaking the mold in equine entertainment since 1997.
Big Horse Productions was created in 1997 by Erik Martonovich. Erik was a well known competitive vaulter (the sport of gymnastics on horseback). He competed all over the United States, as well as Europe. Erik always stood out in the competition arena, performing more for the audience than the judges and always doing things with a little more 'edge' than others. He then decided he would have more fun performing to an audience permanently and made it his career. In 1999, he asked fellow vaulting competitor Alethea Shelton to join him in this adventure, and they began to create acts to bring to the road, calling themselves Big Horse Productions (or BHP), as they were very well known for their enormous Belgian draft horses.
They performed 'vaulting' but gave it new light by adding costumes and choreography and making it into a more acrobatic show. They drew their inspiration from the discipline and form of equestrian vaulting as well as the artistry and skills of circus bareback riders. They also incorporated Roman riding into the mix (where you have someone standing on two horses instead of one). But to make their Roman riding acts stand out above the rest, they added a more daring flair by adding more people and stacking them up in more difficult impressive moves. All the while, they kept their performances top-notch, with eye-popping costumes, catchy music and a dramatic, theatrical style.
In 2003, one of the founders of Cirque du Soleil (Normand Latourelle) found and approached them. He was off on a solo endeavor to create a touring 'Cirque-like' show based around horses. After seeing them perform live, he immediately offered them a contract. From there, Erik and Alethea left with one of their horses ('Comet') to participate in the creation of this show in Quebec, later known as "Cavalia". They were performing artists in this successful multi-media equestrian production for over two years. After the tour, they had the urge to have full creative reign on their acts once again. With the experience they gained from "Cavalia", they moved to Las Vegas, NV. The City of Entertainment seemed a fitting place to base their production company.
From that point on, they have incorporated a number of things into their performances. They now have flying aerialists above their horses in some numbers, as well as professional dancers interacting below. In addition, BHP is proud of their shows involving fire manipulation, especially when spinning fire atop teams of giant horses! Their proudest accomplishment to date, however is Erik Martonovich Roman riding an 8 horse hitch of 2,000+ lb Belgians! In addition to this already impressive feat, they have also added acrobats on some of the other horses, performing tricks and stunts as they go along! Many professionals in the driving community (including a certain beer company known for their Clydesdales) told Erik this feat was impossible. However, BHP debuted this act in 2008 and it has been going strong ever since, gaining more and more appreciation at each event.
Big Horse Productions is proud to call Las Vegas their home. They have formed many relationships in the professional entertainment industry, as well as equestrian world. They love to travel and take their acts on the road, to inspire people to follow their dreams, however far-fetched they may seem. They also enjoy teaching others the art of what they do and the skills necessary to do so. One of their biggest goals is to have opportunities to perform in their hometown on a more regular basis. When BHP is on the road, it is obvious to all observers that they represent the City of Entertainment. They have one of the most unique acts ever seen and hope to someday really bring it home for good and make Las Vegas proud.
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