Submitted Photo Gladius The Show is bringing acrobatics and other riding stunts to Minot in dynamic performances set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the North Dakota Horse Expo.

The North Dakota Horse Expo kicks off Friday in Minot with 120 hours of live demonstrations, lectures and competition on the event schedule. The three-day event will take place at the North Dakota State Fair Center with its three indoor arenas.

The Horse Expo is the signature event for the North Dakota Equine Association and is in its second year.

“Our board put in months of planning to make sure the N.D. Horse Expo is the best event in our region for horse owners and enthusiasts,” said NDEA President Kaycee Wilen, Max. “The three-day event doesn’t have a moment where there isn’t something going on in three arenas at the same time. Everyone who attends will have a lot of amazing choices for their day.”

Horse trainers and subject matter experts are traveling from as far away as Oklahoma to share their knowledge and be a part of the event. Topics include colt starting, equine nutrition, equine dentistry, knot tying and horse showing, along with horsemanship and health topics. Also scheduled is the State 4-H Horse Contest, a Jackpot barrel race, CMSA-sanctioned mounted shooting event and the NDEA ShowDeO, where competitors of all ages compete with their horses for prizes in fun and entertaining events.

Gladius The Show headlines each night with a performance of the “Cirque Meets Mad Max, on Horses” show that’s straight from Las Vegas. More than 20 horses and acrobats are a part of the all-new show that combines chariot racing, trick riding and gravity-defying stunts.

“Being able to come to Minot to entertain North Dakota is a highlight for us. We’re ready to impress everyone with new routines and bigger stunts than we’ve ever done before,” said Erik Martonovich, Gladuis The Show co-creator.

The event is all horses and fun for all ages, with special highlights that include free wagon rides, Kiddy Korral, equine trivia with “Speaking of Horses TV and Radio” and the Call of the Horse Art Show.

Daily admission is $10. Gladius The Show tickets start at $35. For event schedule, clinician information and vendor details, visit NDHorseExpo.com.