The Eighty-Dollar Champion: Snowman, the Horse That Inspired a Nation
Select Format
Select Condition 
Book Overview
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - The "classic American dream story" (USA Today) about a man and his horse, an unlikely duo whose legendary rise to stardom in show jumping captivated the nation, from the award-winning author of The Perfect Horse and The Ride of Her Life
"If you loved the story of Seabiscuit, the surprise champion racehorse . . . check out the true story of Snowman."--San Jose Mercury News Harry de Leyer first saw the horse he would name Snowman on a truck bound for the slaughterhouse. He recognized the spark in the eye of the beaten-up nag and bought him for eighty dollars. On Harry's modest farm on Long Island, the even-tempered horse thrived. But the recent Dutch immigrant and his growing family needed money, so Harry reluctantly sold Snowman to a farm a few miles down the road. But Snowman had other ideas about what Harry needed. When he turned up back at Harry's barn, dragging an old tire and a broken fence board, Harry knew he had misjudged the horse and set about teaching the shaggy, easygoing gelding to fly. One show at a time, against extraordinary odds, the pair soared past the most expensive thoroughbreds alive, reaching the very top of the sport of show jumping. The story of this dynamic duo captured the heart of Cold War-era America--a story of unstoppable hope, inconceivable dreams, and a chance to have it all.
"If you loved the story of Seabiscuit, the surprise champion racehorse . . . check out the true story of Snowman."--San Jose Mercury News Harry de Leyer first saw the horse he would name Snowman on a truck bound for the slaughterhouse. He recognized the spark in the eye of the beaten-up nag and bought him for eighty dollars. On Harry's modest farm on Long Island, the even-tempered horse thrived. But the recent Dutch immigrant and his growing family needed money, so Harry reluctantly sold Snowman to a farm a few miles down the road. But Snowman had other ideas about what Harry needed. When he turned up back at Harry's barn, dragging an old tire and a broken fence board, Harry knew he had misjudged the horse and set about teaching the shaggy, easygoing gelding to fly. One show at a time, against extraordinary odds, the pair soared past the most expensive thoroughbreds alive, reaching the very top of the sport of show jumping. The story of this dynamic duo captured the heart of Cold War-era America--a story of unstoppable hope, inconceivable dreams, and a chance to have it all.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0345521099
ISBN13:9780345521095
Release Date:May 2012
Publisher:Ballantine Books
Length:368 Pages
Weight:0.66 lbs.
Dimensions:0.9" x 5.2" x 8.1"
Customer Reviews
4 ratings
Lovely, sweet, inspirational
Published by Bertsy , 9 months ago
A book for all ages. Not just for horse lovers. Mr. DeLeyer’s devotion is a lesson in determination against all odds, hard work, and compassion.
Most enjoyable, easy to read book.
Love an underdog!
Published by Rodeored , 1 year ago
I read this book when it was originally released and decided I wanted to read it again so I purchased it. Snowman was such a legend and everyone loves an underdog!
The Cinderella Horse!
Published by Candy , 4 years ago
Rescued from a slaughter truck, Snowman seemed to know Harry rescued him. The Cinderella horse proved his love and loyalty to the DeLayer family and they in return.
My kids and I enjoyed this story.
Amazing story!
Published by Stephanie Y , 5 years ago
There is no way to explain this incredible story in mere words. It’s almost unbelievable how this horse happened to be and how he was surrounded by people around him who nurtured his fame. I laughed. I cried. And I’ve read this book over and over. It’s a keeper!
Copyright © 2025 Thriftbooks.com
Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information | Cookie Policy | Cookie Preferences | Accessibility Statement
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
ThriftBooks ® and the ThriftBooks ® logo are registered trademarks of Thrift Books Global, LLC
