Snowman
For one of those days when lately I’ve felt like an old nag myself…
Snowman, 1992 Show Jumping Hall of Fame Inductee
Snowman’s Wikipedia page.
The abundant life is within our reach if only we will drink deeply of living water, fill our hearts with love, and create of our lives a masterpiece.
Harry de Leyer was late to the auction on that snowy day in 1956, and all of the good horses had already been sold. The few that remained were old and spent and had been bought by a company that would salvage them.
Harry, the riding master at a girls’ school in New York, was about to leave when one of these horses—an uncared-for, gray gelding with ugly-looking wounds on its legs—caught his eye. The animal still bore the marks that had been made by a heavy work harness, evidence to the hard life he had led. But something about him captured Harry’s attention, so he offered $80 for him.
It was snowing when Harry’s children saw the horse for the first time, and because of the coat of snow on the horse’s back, the children named him “Snowman.”
Harry took good care of the horse, which turned out to be a gentle and reliable friend—a horse the girls liked to ride because he was steady and didn’t startle like some of the others. In fact, Snowman made such rapid improvement that a neighbor purchased him for twice what Harry had originally paid.
But Snowman kept disappearing from the neighbor’s pasture—sometimes ending up in adjoining potato fields, other times back at Harry’s. It appeared that the horse must have jumped over the fences between the properties, but that seemed impossible—Harry had never seen Snowman jump over anything much higher than a fallen log.
But eventually, the neighbor’s patience came to an end, and he insisted Harry take back the horse.
For years, Harry’s great dream had been to produce a champion jumping horse. He’d had moderate success in the past, but in order to compete at the highest levels, he knew he would have to buy a pedigreed horse that had been specifically bred to jump. And that kind of pedigree would cost far more than he could afford.
Snowman was already getting old—he was eight when Harry had purchased him—and he had been badly treated. But, apparently, Snowman wanted to jump, so Harry decided to see what the horse could do.
What Harry saw made him think that maybe his horse had a chance to compete.
In 1958, Harry entered Snowman in his first competition. Snowman stood among the beautifully bred, champion horses, looking very much out of place. Other horse breeders called Snowman a “flea-bitten gray.”
But a wonderful, unbelievable thing happened that day.
Snowman won!
Harry continued to enter Snowman in other competitions, and Snowman continued to win.
Audiences cheered every time Snowman won an event. He became a symbol of how extraordinary an ordinary horse could be. He appeared on television. Stories and books were written about him.
As Snowman continued to win, one buyer offered $100,000 for the old plow horse, but Harry would not sell. In 1958 and 1959, Snowman was named “Horse of the Year.” Eventually, the gray gelding—who had once been marked for sale to a low bidder—was inducted into the show jumping Hall of Fame.
– Rutherford George Montgomery, Snowman (1962)
For many, Snowman was much more than a horse. He became an example of the hidden, untapped potential that lies within each of us.
April 19th, 2006 at 2:04 pm
Wonderful story. Thank you. :)
April 25th, 2006 at 3:02 pm
I only recently heard of this story and was absolutely inspired by it. I did a little research and learned that two books were written about Snowman, both out of print. Could you or anyone help me about how to find one of those books? I am hungering to read it.
Thank You, Janis Lynn
April 25th, 2006 at 10:57 pm
Apparently this site once had it listed, but no longer seems to:
http://www.loganberrybooks.com/kidcat-horses.html
You might try contacting them.
June 11th, 2006 at 5:08 pm
Hi Janis Lynn,
You might try ebay. They sometimes will have “Snowman” listed. That is where I obtained my copy.
July 26th, 2006 at 7:15 am
Is this a true story about an actual horse, “Snowman”? I am assuming so.
September 25th, 2006 at 9:21 am
I believe we all have a “Snowman” in us, but unfortunately we are our own worst enemies, and often fail to see the potential within ourselves. Thank you for this remarkable story that will hopefully touch many lives in a very positive way. I will share it with all the staff at the elementary school where I work and with all my children and grandchildren. With heartfelt thanks for a beautiful story. Ruth S. Johnson
October 15th, 2006 at 8:21 pm
I’ve ridden with Harry deLeyer for 20 years. When we met I was about to give up riding for fear of getting hurt. He gave me one lesson on one of his stallions, Dutch Fire, the full brother to Dutch Crown, the horse who had won so many jumping championships for Harry. I jumped higher than I had ever done before on a horse that day. The horse was magnificent and Harry believed in me. Since that day 20 years ago, I have competed in World Cup qualifyer classes in Holland and given lessons to many folks who didn’t believe in themselves. Harry taught me a lot about horses; how they think, how to ride each as an individual, not more than anything else, how to believe in yourself, your instincts, and your horse. I have sucessfully trained many of my own horses and those of others who were thought to be throw aways, just like Snowman. The photo above seems unbelievable, but I can attest to Harry’s unbridled trust in his horses, and their trust in him. I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to know Harry deLeyer and learn from his faith; his faith in God, faith in humanity, and relentless faith in himself. I think of him each and every time I face a new situation and fear the unknown. Trust yourself. Try. Give. Succeed.
November 3rd, 2006 at 2:19 pm
A truly inspirational story and how great that Amanda knows Harry deLeyer and can share in his beliefs. I also work with horses that have “lost their way” and have one now that has come further than I imagined. I gave up showjumping 12 years ago after 2 bad falls, but never lost the desire. I’ve bitten the bullet and started having jumping lessons again - scary, exhilarating - and will start competing on Pebbles fairly soon
February 2nd, 2007 at 2:39 pm
I am wondering if Amanda would know how one could contact Harry deLeyer for an interview. I am working on a reseach project and this story and Harry deLeyer would be perfect for an interview. I can get information on the website about the history but a personal interview even if by phone my a research project immensly.
February 3rd, 2007 at 11:47 am
I have the information for you from Amanda Carolyn, but can’t get past your spam blocker. Hopefully Amanda will….. if not, please add doona at woodka dot com to your mail list and send me an email - thanks!
March 23rd, 2007 at 8:54 am
mmm Snowman is an inspiration, DeLeyer another story, last time I saw Snowman he was in a dark and dirty stall in the back of Hollandia Farm, forlorn and forgotten. Growing up in that area and during that era Harry’s reputation was not so glorious as the movies and fairy tale stories have made it. Snowman was the hero, never Harry
May 21st, 2007 at 10:49 am
When I knew Harry and Snowman they were on the top of the world..special barn, special baths and so much more..Harry was surely a stern task master, wanting the best from those who rode with him and the best from the horses as well..at times .. we riders feared Harry but I can’t remember a time when I didn’t walk out of those barns or the arena grinning ear to ear, soaked in sweat and completely exhilerated. Learning to have that “special” relationship with horses got me through some pretty rough times as an adult..for that I thank Harry DeLeyer/Hollandia Farms and think about him and those times often..
July 21st, 2007 at 7:35 pm
I have known the DeLeyer family all my life, Andre DeLeyer is who gave me my love of jumping. Harry and his beautiful horses like Snowman and Dutch Jewel, and Andre with the breath taking Dutch Bend who stoll my heart the first time i saw him stick his midnight black head out his stall. Andre’s wife Chris will always have a special place in my heart to, because she helpped me over a serious fear from a bad fall. The DeLeyers have not saved just one horse but in the years i’ve known them they have housed many like sweetie who was blind on one side, and head cases who i wont mention, but still got the same love. They are wonderful people and i with them all the best. The DeLeyer family in my opinion is what many equestrian stables should strive to be more like.
August 7th, 2007 at 5:56 am
The horse glory business is controlled by the same handful of people. They nominate and glorify eachother.
November 6th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
As a young girl with friends at Hollandia, I remember walking past Snowmans stall, always pausing in awe at their story. Mr. Deleyer and I spoke many times through the years at the Junior Olympics and at Old Field. I rode many of the horses in later years from Hollandia, at intercollegiate horse shows and rode at their farm in St. James. Long Island was a special place for many of us horsepeople.
November 29th, 2007 at 10:33 am
I rode with Harry for several years, greatest horse man i have ever met. Rode many of his horses and all of them are all heart and give. I have one of his many great studs foals.
December 24th, 2007 at 1:01 am
I read the story of Snowman in a Readers Digest Annual my father bought me one Christmas back in about 1960 when I was six years old. I never forgot the story of Snowman, a true champion with a big heart.
I’m nearly fifty four, yet even now, I remember - and wish I could find a copy of the story.
January 15th, 2008 at 12:03 pm
I also have been trying to obtain a copy or two of the book Snowman for 5 years. I haven’t had any luck. I would love to purchase it as a gift for my husband. It was his favorite book and someone borrowed and did not return it many years ago. If anyone has any leads, please let me know. Thanks. Diane
January 15th, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Apparently these are hard to get now and expensive….
http://www.biblio.com/details.php?dcx=146322108&aid=frg
January 15th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Here’s another nice post on Snowman:
http://davidweiss.blogspot.com/2006/11/something-great.html
February 2nd, 2008 at 9:57 am
I was raised in Amherst County, (Virginia) Homewood Farms. My Father’s boss David Hugh Dillard hired a horse trainer from Holland, his name was Harry de Leyer. He was dutch, had a lovely wife and many children. He taught me how to ride and I grew up owning 43 acres and many horses. I always wondered what happened to this wonderful man. I am trying to find out if this story is about the same man I knew as a child. Please, if there is anyone out there that know how I may get in touch with him or his family, I would be most delighted.
Thanks so much! What a wonderful story!
PS: They walked in wooden shoes and he gave me a pair and I still wear them.
February 2nd, 2008 at 5:33 pm
I was wondering if a book had ever been written about ‘Snowman’ ?
If so I would love to purchase. A few years back I read the amazing story about Seabiscuit. Snowman reminds me of that story…amazing !!!
Sheila Semo
February 12th, 2008 at 5:34 pm
When I was a young girl I went to my Aunts bungalow in New Jersey and saw Snowman at a horse jumping competition and was in awe!! I read the book and so did my oldest daughter, who had a horse of her own growing up. I would dearly love to own a copy about this wonderful animal. He was beautiful and inspiring ! I still remember that day some 47 years ago.
March 26th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
i was too young to see snowman compete but i was lucky indeed to be his groom at his retirement ceremony at “the garden” in 1969.he was without doubt,the real deal.
March 26th, 2008 at 12:17 pm
I was too young to see Snowman compete but i was lucky indeed to be his groom at his retirement ceremony at “the garden” in 1969.He was, without doubt, the real deal.
April 1st, 2008 at 12:01 pm
There are two Snowman books for sale on Ebay, ending 04/05/08.
Click my name for the first one and the very hard to find Reader’s Digest is here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=250231861582&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT&ih=015
April 1st, 2008 at 11:03 pm
[...] I get a lot of hits here for Snowman, there was a comment on the Snowman post today that this book is available right now on ebay. I don’t usually link to ebay auctions, [...]
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:49 am
I rode with Harry DeLeyer in 1965. I saw Snowman in the Children’s classes — as he was gentle and sweet to the beginners. My beloved Horse Sparkle is buried at Hollandier Farms….and my biggest heartbreak was the way Harry’s son’s talked about my wonderful steed. Sparkle was a beautiful blood red chestnut — but he had a Roman nose. He had 4 white socks and most likely was of Morgan background. He was NOT a show jumper - but he was my friend, companion and steady as a rock. He was gentle and loving - Harry’s son’s made fun of him. Sorry - he was not snowman….
April 22nd, 2008 at 8:53 am
what does this mean- my comment is awaiting moderation. ??
April 22nd, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Sorry, Charlotte - I moderate all first-time commenters. Once you have an approved comment, you can post anytime!
April 23rd, 2008 at 6:48 am
I also saw Snowman with his carpeted stall at Hollandia Farms and rode with Harry DeLeyer. I still have my Snowman book after all these years.
May 2nd, 2008 at 12:20 pm
me and my family has known the deleyers for 40 years or better,and i reconize most names on this blog, knowing most of them. yes harry was one of a kind ! no doubt. he still resides in virgina to day. long island was something back then. but trust me they would not treat horses today ! like the family did then!
May 29th, 2008 at 6:11 pm
I was a student at the Knox School 1967-1971 Mr. DeLeyer was our riding instructor. I had the honor to ride Snowman many times. He was a great horse and there was a respect for his master - and the master respected Snowman. Mr. DeLeyer loved that animal. I have my copy of Snowman and will treasure it always.
I’m proud to have been acquainted with the DeLeyer family and their legacy.
Anne Marhefka Lehr
May 29th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
I was a student at the Knox School 1967-1971. Mr. DeLeyer was our riding instructor. I had the honor of riding Snowman many times. He was a great horse and there was a respect for his master - and the master respected Snowman. Mr. DeLeyer loved that animal. I have a copy of Snowman and will treasure it always. I’m proud to have been acquainted with the DeLeyer family and their legacy.
Anne Marhefka Lehr
July 18th, 2008 at 7:06 am
Hi,
I think I have a stallion with Harry Deleyer horses bloodline. Can any one tell me what breeding/bloodline/stallions are Deleyer’s horses.
I am in the UK - the stallion I have is Dutch Royal.
Does any one know how I can get Hold of Harry.
Thanks
Vicki
September 10th, 2008 at 5:07 am
Hi Vicki
Yes my father inlaw imported Dutch Royal, he has bred to him on his farm in Virginia and as some of his offsprings! You can email me for his phone number and I would be happy to give it to him so you can get in touch with him, my email address is, cdeleyer@aol.com
September 16th, 2008 at 10:52 am
I grew up on Long Island and hunted when Harry was Master of the Hounds and Dr. Arthur Fredericks was Master of the Hunt. Hunting with the Smithtown Hunt with Harry was an experience I would never trade. Yes he had his reputation, but that man sure could ride. I will always remember Hollandia Farms. I understand the property is still there, and perhaps another horseman will be investing in rebuilding and raising horses on it ?
October 7th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
I’m old enough to remember Harry competing with Snowman. There were times the pair of them just about took the roof off Madison Square Garden during the National Horse Show. I was a city kid with a great love of horses, and the National was an annual treat. Snowman loved to jump and he was breathtaking to watch. Some horses you “ride” to victory; others find victory on their own - you just have to hold still and go along for the ride. With Snowman, Harry became one with his horse and went along for a glorious ride. But for all his competitive spirit, Snowman was the gentlest creature on earth, completely reliable with the youngest riders. The last time I saw Snowman he was in his stall at Hollandia Farms. He was about 30 years old at the time, pampered and contented. I don’t know how much longer he lived, but he’ll always live in my heart.
October 19th, 2008 at 10:39 pm
hi my name is frank ive had the pleasure of working for the man who sold harry that horse his name was milton potter . from what i understand harry bought snowman from one of the killer pens . it was an old story but they talked about it like it was yesterday . i never new harry but met his sons they use to come over to midisland arena when there was a jumping show . horsemen like harry and milton are hard to find theese days .
October 25th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
Back in the sixties I used to ride a horse for some folks that boarded their horse at Hollandia Farm. I was like the kid from the wrong side of the tracks and did not fit the profile of that days equestrian at all. Harry sort of took me under his wing in his own hands off kind of way but he was a good man to me and an incredible horseman. I spent several years working around the stable and became good friends with the family. His oldest so Sjef and I caused a considerable amount of mischief back in those days and I will always look back on those days as some of the most memorable in my life. I remember when Harry had completed his new indoor arena. It was state of the art back then and for the grand opening Harry had some tack thrown on snowman who hadn’t been ridden let alone jumped for a long time. Across the entrance to the arena was stretched a huge red ribbon at least four feet high. Harry turned Snowman towards the ribbon and he flew over it with a foot or more to spare. What an incrediblly talented and sweet horse he was.