Status
On hold
Collection
Publication
Ballantine Books (2012), Edition: Reprint, 368 pages
Description
"The Eighty-Dollar Champion tells the dramatic odyssey of a horse called Snowman, saved from the slaughterhouse by a young Dutch farmer named Harry. Together, Harry and Snowman went on to become America's show-jumping champions, winning first prize in Madison Square Garden. Set in the mid- to late-1950s, this book captures the can-do spirit of a Cold War immigrant who believed--and triumphed"--Provided by publisher.
User reviews
LibraryThing member TimBazzett
As she was a rider and horse fancier from childhood, it is certainly obvious that author Elizabeth Letts knows her horses and world of horse shows and jumping. That becomes clear early on in THE EIGHTY-DOLLAR CHAMPION. And she's also done her research on the era in a most workmanlike way. So I have
Unfortunately, this book just didn't work for me. It seemed to lack 'variety,' for lack of a better word. Reading the story of Harry de Leyer and Snowman was like watching a NASCAR race. It went round and round without much rising and falling action. It was interesting and admirable that Harry had a tough time during the war in his native Netherlands and how he married and emigrated to the U.S. after and then managed to pull himself up by his own bootstraps in the horse biz. And what a stroke of luck that he saved Snowman from the knackers too. And yes, what a methodical, hardworking guy he was, and great with horses too. And how cool that Snowman became a champion. But to read these things, and to hear the same stories repeated ad nauseam became quite quickly simply tiresome. This book was just too darn long for the simple story it had to tell. Letts is a decent writer, and you can tell that this was a labor of love. But a competent editor could probably have cut nearly a hundred pages. Where have all the editors gone? Bill Maxwell, please come back. We need you!
Finally, there was something that just didn't quite ring true with the depiction of the picture perfect family, the never-complaining wife, the six or seven obedient well-scrubbed children who became part of the act, trotted out and lined up in stairstep size order. It just seemed hagiographic - unrealistic and maudlin. I know I may sound curmudgeonly in saying this, but any large family has its problems. And sure enough, tucked way at the end, in the Epilogue, we learn that Harry later divorced that perfect wife and remarried. Big surprise. It's too bad all the tension and conflict that must have existed in that 'picture perfect' family didn't get examined here. It might have made a much more interesting book. Maybe one of those kids will write about it some day.
As it was, the narrative became boringly repetitious, maudlin and overly verbose, filled at times with what seemed completely irrelevant "padding." I get it that the author was trying to show the overall Cold War atmosphere of the times, but I think it was overdone. When SEABISCUIT's author worked in the feeling of hopelessness of her Depression setting it worked. But the fifties? The Eisenhower years may have been bland, but they weren't hopeless. The underdog theme in THE EIGHTY-DOLLAR CHAMPION is a worthy one, but is simply done to death here. I didn't hate the book, but I was happy to get to the end of it. I feel like I learned a lot about the jumping horse circuit, but hey, ENOUGH already!
Having said all this, I think Harry and Snowman's story would probably make a great family movie. Disney studios will no doubt give it a look and do it up a la SECRETARIAT. I hope so. I'd take my grandkids to see it. And then I'd introduce them to the Black Stallion stories and MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE and all those other animal books I so enjoyed as a child.
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no problem with the authenticity or the myriad facts and anecdotes. The fact is I came to this book with high hopes, having read and savored SEABISCUIT just a few years ago. And as a kid I was a voracious reader of all sorts of animal books, particularly dog and horse stories. I devoured the works of Walter Farley, Mary O'Hara and Marguerite Henry, and have particularly fond memories of Will James' story of SMOKY, Rutherford Montgomery's MIDNIGHT, and a now nearly forgotten little book called TICK-TOCK AND JIM.Unfortunately, this book just didn't work for me. It seemed to lack 'variety,' for lack of a better word. Reading the story of Harry de Leyer and Snowman was like watching a NASCAR race. It went round and round without much rising and falling action. It was interesting and admirable that Harry had a tough time during the war in his native Netherlands and how he married and emigrated to the U.S. after and then managed to pull himself up by his own bootstraps in the horse biz. And what a stroke of luck that he saved Snowman from the knackers too. And yes, what a methodical, hardworking guy he was, and great with horses too. And how cool that Snowman became a champion. But to read these things, and to hear the same stories repeated ad nauseam became quite quickly simply tiresome. This book was just too darn long for the simple story it had to tell. Letts is a decent writer, and you can tell that this was a labor of love. But a competent editor could probably have cut nearly a hundred pages. Where have all the editors gone? Bill Maxwell, please come back. We need you!
Finally, there was something that just didn't quite ring true with the depiction of the picture perfect family, the never-complaining wife, the six or seven obedient well-scrubbed children who became part of the act, trotted out and lined up in stairstep size order. It just seemed hagiographic - unrealistic and maudlin. I know I may sound curmudgeonly in saying this, but any large family has its problems. And sure enough, tucked way at the end, in the Epilogue, we learn that Harry later divorced that perfect wife and remarried. Big surprise. It's too bad all the tension and conflict that must have existed in that 'picture perfect' family didn't get examined here. It might have made a much more interesting book. Maybe one of those kids will write about it some day.
As it was, the narrative became boringly repetitious, maudlin and overly verbose, filled at times with what seemed completely irrelevant "padding." I get it that the author was trying to show the overall Cold War atmosphere of the times, but I think it was overdone. When SEABISCUIT's author worked in the feeling of hopelessness of her Depression setting it worked. But the fifties? The Eisenhower years may have been bland, but they weren't hopeless. The underdog theme in THE EIGHTY-DOLLAR CHAMPION is a worthy one, but is simply done to death here. I didn't hate the book, but I was happy to get to the end of it. I feel like I learned a lot about the jumping horse circuit, but hey, ENOUGH already!
Having said all this, I think Harry and Snowman's story would probably make a great family movie. Disney studios will no doubt give it a look and do it up a la SECRETARIAT. I hope so. I'd take my grandkids to see it. And then I'd introduce them to the Black Stallion stories and MISTY OF CHINCOTEAGUE and all those other animal books I so enjoyed as a child.
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LibraryThing member kmhyle
A great read, this book will appeal to a wide range of readers. Fiction readers will enjoy Letts' gradual unfolding of the events which bring and keep Harry and Snowman together. Her detailed descriptions make readers feel that they really are getting to know Harry. Although it is a great story,
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non-fiction readers will appreciate the research Letts did to be able to explain the role of the horse in American society over time and the changes in the worlds of work and leisure that have affected the place of the horse in the United States. Show Less
LibraryThing member ccayne
Disclaimer: I'm a rider and throughbreds are my favorites. This is a book about a horse and a rider which will appeal to non-horse people;it's not terribly well written but it tells a good story. I liked learning about Knox School and the hey day of the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden.
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I was happy to see info for the general public on how many horses meet their fates - slaughter, the only "pet" we dispose of in this way. It's the nasty and side of the horse/human relationship and too many horses. I believe an animal is a lifetime commitment but clearly many do not. Show Less
LibraryThing member Micalhut
Snowman/Harry de Leyer is my favorite horse team of all time, however, I only give the novel a 3 since Elizabeth Letts' storytelling lacks the movement and "place you there" excitement of Hillenbrand. All of the good bits were repeated mercilessly throughout the book. History is directly told to
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us, which droned on, rather than woven into the story. Show Less
LibraryThing member thoroughbredlibrary
If you are old enough to remember Harry De Leyer and Snowman at the height of competition, The Eighty Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts will bring back treasured memories. The story of the horse and rider originally brought to the public eye by features such as the 1959 Life Magazine article will
Traditional as the type of tale may be, this book is far from fiction. The literal heights scaled by Harry De Leyer and Snowman were nothing less than a miracle, under any other circumstances. Elizabeth Letts fills in the blanks of a story that some remember and, for them, the chapters rich with time and character are savored. The book is well researched and reminiscent of the style of Laura Hillenbrand's Seabiscuit, in that it provides a rich backdrop of that period of time which is so important to the story.
The Eighty-Dollar Champion is a book full of spirit and inspiration. It will open up the very personal journey of horse and rider to triumphs that extend beyond the equestrian world. If you were there in the late 1950s and remember, you will joyously relive the time. If read the book and were not there, you have been now.
In summary, Elizabeth Letts' The Eighty-Dollar Champion is to be treasured.
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captivate any horse lover worth their oats. It is the traditional rags to riches story of the immigrant horseman united with the hidden superstar through the most coincidental twist of fate. Who knew that the notorious New Holland auction, a place long known as the last stop before the slaughterhouse, would be the catalyst in a relationship between man and horse that was a once in a lifetime achievement? How many more horses have we missed there?Traditional as the type of tale may be, this book is far from fiction. The literal heights scaled by Harry De Leyer and Snowman were nothing less than a miracle, under any other circumstances. Elizabeth Letts fills in the blanks of a story that some remember and, for them, the chapters rich with time and character are savored. The book is well researched and reminiscent of the style of Laura Hillenbrand's Seabiscuit, in that it provides a rich backdrop of that period of time which is so important to the story.
The Eighty-Dollar Champion is a book full of spirit and inspiration. It will open up the very personal journey of horse and rider to triumphs that extend beyond the equestrian world. If you were there in the late 1950s and remember, you will joyously relive the time. If read the book and were not there, you have been now.
In summary, Elizabeth Letts' The Eighty-Dollar Champion is to be treasured.
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LibraryThing member phlegmmy
As a horse crazy child born in the mid 1950's, I remember the story of Snowman and Harry de Leyer. Snowman, saved from the kill pens of the auction by Harry, became a showjumping champion and an American hero. Harry deLeyer became the symbol of living the american dream, coming to this country with
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a small trunk of belongings and his war-time bride and working hard to achieve his success. This well written and fast paced book is also a history lesson of the time and atmosphere in this country in rather uncertain times. While many of our younger generations may not understand that our celebrities back then were not vapid young movie stars, but horses and war heroes, those of us who grew up in the 50's and 60's will. I loved this book, not just for it's story of a once-in-a-lifetime horse and a family who endured the many losses of war, but also for it's look back at a time and place in this country that is often forgotten. Show Less
LibraryThing member vtkat
The Cinderella Horse--The Eighty-Dollar Champion by Elizabeth Letts
This book is as its title proclaims the story of Snowman, an eighty dollar champion but it is so much more. It is also the story of the role of horses in the pre-World War II era and the changes in the years following that event
At the heart of this interwoven tale is the story of a man and his horse. A horse who in his first appearance in the narrative grabs us as firmly as he did the heart of sensible, unsentimental horseman, Harry de Leyer. Harry, in charge of the horses used to teach young monied ladies of the Knox School how to ride, is looking for inexpensive, gentle horses at an auction in Pennsylvania. Arriving too late to have his pick he spies a moth eaten old work horse, his white coat rubbed off in places and dirty in others, headed into the truck going to the slaughter house. Standing tall, with his head held high, the horse gives Harry a steady and determined eye that Harry cannot resist. The spirit is there and Harry reluctantly hands over $80 for a horse he isn't sure is worth the proverbial plugged nickel but he must do it--he cannot ignore the look of the horse he names Snowman. For those readers who were not around in the time of this story $80 will probably sound like a pittance but my parents were paying $68 a month without utilities in a nice two bedroom apartment in Chelsea that now goes for almost $2000 a month! $80 was a lot for a man who had very little.
But this is how this love story begins and like Harry, without knowing quite why, we fall in love with Snowman, too. He is the horse the frightened girls ride to get confidence, the one who lets the de Leyer children ride him bareback and the horse, who, when summer comes, and he is taking up space and eating without contributing to his upkeep, is sold reluctantly but unemotionally by Harry to a good home and a neighbor several miles away. He is also the horse who defies all kinds of attempts to keep in pastured at that neighbor's and leaps paddock fences, one time pulling a lead with a heavy tire on it, to return to Harry and the home he loves. What else could be done but to take him back with loving arms?
But Snowman's leaping of fences inspires Harry to try training him as a jumper to be entered into those exclusive horse shows. Snowman, an old work horse from some Amish farm, and Harry, a riding teacher from the Knox School and the owner of the jumper, to compete against thoroughbreds and amateur riders employed by wealthy owners to win ? A fairy tale! And indeed, it is---a fairy tale with a Cinderella Horse and his Dutch Prince. And at the end, after 26 years a fairy tale with the hero dying with his faithful human by his side. The man left alone to dig the grave with his sons. The fairy tale to be told here by Elizabeth Letts and one to cherish and remember.
The only thing as a reader I would have liked was to know what Harry and his family went on to do in the gap between Snowy's death in 1974 and the very short epilogue that takes place in 2005 - 2008. But, perhaps, after the excitement of life with Snowy, the rest was just too much of an anti-climax. This is the story,after all, about The Eighty Dollar Champion but, if Harry hadn't been the fellow in Pennsylvania that snowy night in 1956, Snowman might have been one of hundreds of nameless horses rendered for glue and dog food.
This book is as its title proclaims the story of Snowman, an eighty dollar champion but it is so much more. It is also the story of the role of horses in the pre-World War II era and the changes in the years following that event
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that also changed our use of horses. It is the story of two young Dutch immigrants to the United States, who through hard work and faith in the future made a life for themselves and, eventually, their six children in a new land. It describes life in '50's-'60's Long Island and New York City among the private girls' schools and horse shows of the very rich. At the heart of this interwoven tale is the story of a man and his horse. A horse who in his first appearance in the narrative grabs us as firmly as he did the heart of sensible, unsentimental horseman, Harry de Leyer. Harry, in charge of the horses used to teach young monied ladies of the Knox School how to ride, is looking for inexpensive, gentle horses at an auction in Pennsylvania. Arriving too late to have his pick he spies a moth eaten old work horse, his white coat rubbed off in places and dirty in others, headed into the truck going to the slaughter house. Standing tall, with his head held high, the horse gives Harry a steady and determined eye that Harry cannot resist. The spirit is there and Harry reluctantly hands over $80 for a horse he isn't sure is worth the proverbial plugged nickel but he must do it--he cannot ignore the look of the horse he names Snowman. For those readers who were not around in the time of this story $80 will probably sound like a pittance but my parents were paying $68 a month without utilities in a nice two bedroom apartment in Chelsea that now goes for almost $2000 a month! $80 was a lot for a man who had very little.
But this is how this love story begins and like Harry, without knowing quite why, we fall in love with Snowman, too. He is the horse the frightened girls ride to get confidence, the one who lets the de Leyer children ride him bareback and the horse, who, when summer comes, and he is taking up space and eating without contributing to his upkeep, is sold reluctantly but unemotionally by Harry to a good home and a neighbor several miles away. He is also the horse who defies all kinds of attempts to keep in pastured at that neighbor's and leaps paddock fences, one time pulling a lead with a heavy tire on it, to return to Harry and the home he loves. What else could be done but to take him back with loving arms?
But Snowman's leaping of fences inspires Harry to try training him as a jumper to be entered into those exclusive horse shows. Snowman, an old work horse from some Amish farm, and Harry, a riding teacher from the Knox School and the owner of the jumper, to compete against thoroughbreds and amateur riders employed by wealthy owners to win ? A fairy tale! And indeed, it is---a fairy tale with a Cinderella Horse and his Dutch Prince. And at the end, after 26 years a fairy tale with the hero dying with his faithful human by his side. The man left alone to dig the grave with his sons. The fairy tale to be told here by Elizabeth Letts and one to cherish and remember.
The only thing as a reader I would have liked was to know what Harry and his family went on to do in the gap between Snowy's death in 1974 and the very short epilogue that takes place in 2005 - 2008. But, perhaps, after the excitement of life with Snowy, the rest was just too much of an anti-climax. This is the story,after all, about The Eighty Dollar Champion but, if Harry hadn't been the fellow in Pennsylvania that snowy night in 1956, Snowman might have been one of hundreds of nameless horses rendered for glue and dog food.
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LibraryThing member sailorfigment
"The Eighty-Dollar Champion" is the story of the American Dream as lived by a Dutch immigrant and his slaughterhouse-bound horse. When Harry de Leyer first met Snowman on a truck destined for the slaughterhouse, he knew there was something special about the horse. Snowman knew there was something
Besides interviews with Harry de Leyer and his family, Letts did research into the times, places, and people mentioned in the book. This background info, while tedious to some, brings to life the surroundings of Harry and Snowman. The competitions mean more to the reader because they know exactly what is at stake for the underdog pair.
Overall the book was an engaging read. More than just horse lovers will be turning pages to the learn the outcome of the competitions. It is a heart-warming story of the American Spirit: of picking yourself up by your bootstraps and working hard to achieve yor dreams. With letts' help, Harry and Snowman can inspire generations to come.
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special about Harry and refused to be sold, jumping paddock fences to return to Harry's barn. Together the pair would go on to win ribbons in a rainbow of colors, beating some of the top horses in the world.Besides interviews with Harry de Leyer and his family, Letts did research into the times, places, and people mentioned in the book. This background info, while tedious to some, brings to life the surroundings of Harry and Snowman. The competitions mean more to the reader because they know exactly what is at stake for the underdog pair.
Overall the book was an engaging read. More than just horse lovers will be turning pages to the learn the outcome of the competitions. It is a heart-warming story of the American Spirit: of picking yourself up by your bootstraps and working hard to achieve yor dreams. With letts' help, Harry and Snowman can inspire generations to come.
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LibraryThing member CassandraLynne
This is an incredible story about a man and his horse achieving the American Dream. This book is as much about Harry de Leyer and his family as it is about his horse, Snowman. Harry saved Snowman from certain death on his way to a slaughterhouse, creating a bond between them that couldn't be
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broken. Still suffering the affects of World War Two and constantly living in fear of the Cold War, Snowman and his owner brought hope to changing America. A poor immagrant riding his own ex-plow horse in competions opened a door to normal American citizens into the life of rich, privedged upper class in the 1950s. Snowman sent the message that it didn't matter where you came from or how you were brought up, if you believed you could achieve greatness than it was yours for the taking. As for the book its self, many details such as horse owner's names and details were repeated. I loved the pictures spread throughout the book too. It was awesome to seen Snowman in action. Show Less
LibraryThing member tldittmer04
I liked this book. It's great when you find a real-life story of an event that "should not have happened". It reminds me that anything is possible, and to look for opportunities in unlikely places.
LibraryThing member SunnySD
ARC reviewed.
I grew up on Walter Farley and C.M Montgomery's horse stories, reading about throwing your heart over the fence so your horse would follow; about the look of eagles. In Snowman's story, I found a return to that feeling.
A true rescue, purchased for $80 off the back of a kill buyer's
In spite of the typos (ARC copy), this is a charming, heartwarming story only occasionally rendered pedantic by the shoehorning in of some relevant but slightly distracting block of big-picture history. If you're a horse-lover, or know one, this rags-to-riches story of the small-town horse and his family making good on the national stage is a lovely one.
I grew up on Walter Farley and C.M Montgomery's horse stories, reading about throwing your heart over the fence so your horse would follow; about the look of eagles. In Snowman's story, I found a return to that feeling.
A true rescue, purchased for $80 off the back of a kill buyer's
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truck, Snowman found a home with an immigrant Dutchman and his family. Over the next several years the big white horse and his adopted family leaped to heights and fame, stealing the hearts of an American public ripe for a humble hero of the people. For horseman Henry de Leyer, dubbed the "Flying Dutchman" by the press, the big dirty grey horse dubbed Snowman by the de Leyer children would provide the chance to live out a dream. In return, his jumping days past, the gelding was allowed to live out his life in comfort - a far cry from the violent end he was bound for so many years before.In spite of the typos (ARC copy), this is a charming, heartwarming story only occasionally rendered pedantic by the shoehorning in of some relevant but slightly distracting block of big-picture history. If you're a horse-lover, or know one, this rags-to-riches story of the small-town horse and his family making good on the national stage is a lovely one.
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LibraryThing member alsvidur
“There was nothing worse than a horse movie in which it was obvious that the people who made it knew nothing about horses.” It’s obvious that the author, Elizabeth Letts, does know about horses and horse shows – thank goodness!
Grade-horse Snowman, once bought from a slaughterhouse trailer,
Since Letts drew from personal experience, interviews, and research, she was able to be thorough and detailed in her descriptions. The background of the era provided a rich setting without bogging down the story. She touched on many issues in the horse show scene that are still with us today – amateur status, the competitive difference between European shows and American, excessive use of training gadgets, and the influence of George Morris. (The passage about Mr. Morris being considered a child added some more insider humor.) Letts also covered deLeyer’s life from childhood through old age. At times this became too sentimental, with the underdog theme getting too much play, but it wasn’t enough to ruin the story at all. The author’s personal experiences allowed her to recount the sensations – from what it feels like to jump the big courses to the hairs that make you itch when you go swimming with your horse.
The downsides were few, and will most likely be corrected before going out to publication: unclear photographs, mislabeling, and a few typos. The time flow in the beginning makes it a bit hard to establish a good pace; thankfully, the timeframe of each chapter is included in the chapter heading.
Overall, “The Eighty-Dollar Champion” gets high marks. Even better, it gets the recommendation of a horse person to another – if you’re featured in “The Chronicle” every week or simply enjoy a hack around a course occasionally, you won’t be disappointed!
Grade-horse Snowman, once bought from a slaughterhouse trailer,
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became one of the best show jumpers in the country. He was brought along and ridden by Harry deLeyer in the 1950s and 1960s, when the horse world was going through a change from gentlemen’s sporting events to commercial businesses.Since Letts drew from personal experience, interviews, and research, she was able to be thorough and detailed in her descriptions. The background of the era provided a rich setting without bogging down the story. She touched on many issues in the horse show scene that are still with us today – amateur status, the competitive difference between European shows and American, excessive use of training gadgets, and the influence of George Morris. (The passage about Mr. Morris being considered a child added some more insider humor.) Letts also covered deLeyer’s life from childhood through old age. At times this became too sentimental, with the underdog theme getting too much play, but it wasn’t enough to ruin the story at all. The author’s personal experiences allowed her to recount the sensations – from what it feels like to jump the big courses to the hairs that make you itch when you go swimming with your horse.
The downsides were few, and will most likely be corrected before going out to publication: unclear photographs, mislabeling, and a few typos. The time flow in the beginning makes it a bit hard to establish a good pace; thankfully, the timeframe of each chapter is included in the chapter heading.
Overall, “The Eighty-Dollar Champion” gets high marks. Even better, it gets the recommendation of a horse person to another – if you’re featured in “The Chronicle” every week or simply enjoy a hack around a course occasionally, you won’t be disappointed!
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LibraryThing member bymerechance
In this sweet underdog story, Dutch immigrant Harry de Leyer discovers the schoolhorse he bought for $80, Snowman, has an amazing talent for jumping and takes him all the way to the National Horse Show at Madison Square Garden in the late 1950s. Elizabeth Letts’ writing style was a little plain
But judging by the author’s note, endnotes, and bibliography, Letts clearly did her research, through newspaper articles, books, and interviews with the participants, which lends the story welcome credibility. I enjoyed learning more about how equestrian competitions were designed back then. Harry’s relaxed style with Snowman – he rode on an incredibly loose rein – was a nice contrast to the other riders’ borderline abusive tactics. For all the descriptions of him as an ordinary fleabitten plow horse, the pictures, which were a great addition to the text, reveal Snowman to be a perfectly adorable, friendly gray gelding. (On the other hand, the picture on the title page, on the advanced reader copy at least, is a creepy up-close of Snowman’s grinning teeth that looks straight out of Mr. Ed – not his best moment.)
Though I was disappointed and distracted by The Eighty-Dollar Champion's execution issues, Harry and Snowman’s rags-to-riches triumph is probably not known to most people, even those in the horse world, and I’m glad for the opportunity to read their charming tale.
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for my taste, so I must agree with the reviewers below who felt the book could benefit from tighter editing to remove some repetitious sections. She clearly wanted to place her story within the context of 1950s society and politics, a concept that worked when she addressed how Harry and Snowman were outsiders to the wealthy, elitist equestrian world. Sometimes, though, her parallels were too simplistic; did people really think it was important for an American plow horse to beat a German thoroughbred, especially if the German horse was ridden by an American Olympian? Also, I felt that Letts kept randomly alluding to Harry’s experience in the Netherlands during World War II without actually developing it. But judging by the author’s note, endnotes, and bibliography, Letts clearly did her research, through newspaper articles, books, and interviews with the participants, which lends the story welcome credibility. I enjoyed learning more about how equestrian competitions were designed back then. Harry’s relaxed style with Snowman – he rode on an incredibly loose rein – was a nice contrast to the other riders’ borderline abusive tactics. For all the descriptions of him as an ordinary fleabitten plow horse, the pictures, which were a great addition to the text, reveal Snowman to be a perfectly adorable, friendly gray gelding. (On the other hand, the picture on the title page, on the advanced reader copy at least, is a creepy up-close of Snowman’s grinning teeth that looks straight out of Mr. Ed – not his best moment.)
Though I was disappointed and distracted by The Eighty-Dollar Champion's execution issues, Harry and Snowman’s rags-to-riches triumph is probably not known to most people, even those in the horse world, and I’m glad for the opportunity to read their charming tale.
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LibraryThing member mirrani
The Eighty Dollar Champion is a book that is both easy to explain and hard to describe. It tells the story of the famous horse Snowman and his owner Harry de Leyer who jumped their way into the hearts of Americans in the mid 50’s. The story itself is not unique; a man from another country comes
Throughout the beginning of the book readers will discover a lot about the horses of America, how they worked, how they served our country and how they suddenly seemed to vanish once the big machines came along. The stories of riding schools and the back history of the jumping circuits fill the pages with interesting information, not often known to the casual fan of equestrian sport. Unfortunately, it also leaves you wondering what happened to this Eighty Dollar Champion and what his role in all of that past could possibly be. That said, though the pages might have felt a little weighted against Snowman in the beginning, I found that somehow balanced the image of Snowman’s life, found on a slaughterhouse truck, a nobody, then proving at the end that he was much more than he seemed.
Once reaching the story of Snowman himself, the reader becomes easily caught up in his story of hope. It is clear that the author not only loves horses, but loves the bonds of a rider and his horse. Much time was spent cherishing the kindness in the hearts of true, kind horsemen, who focus on understanding their horses and being understood rather than on simply being forced to obey. At times I was reminded of reading the Black Stallion or Black Beauty, where the theme is much the same, treat your horse well and he will love you in return, doing all that you ask. It was easy to become lost in days of this pair, suffering their difficulties and sharing their joys. There were many moments that seemed repetitive, but those also seemed to fit with the theme of the book, imitating the rhythm of hoof beats in the ring. Perhaps that was also unintentional, but it felt right, somehow to fall into that familiar rhythm that is so often described from Harry’s point of view.
Though the book could be called a little repetitive and unevenly distributed in places, having the back history in the beginning is helpful for those who did not grow up in the time of Snowman and the repetition will take horse lovers into the arena to fall into the flow of step and jump as easily as the rider flows with the horse. The mention of a movie deal was thrown into the fray at one point in the book, yet we discover nothing ever came of it. I say that maybe the movie, taken from the pages of the Eighty Dollar Champion, can finally be made!
Note: Though this book was given to me as part of an early review program, the content of my review was in no way influenced by the gifting. The book speaks for itself and my review would have been worded just this way even if I'd gone out and bought it.
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to America and works hard at what he loves, finds a diamond in the rough and together the two of them soar to the stars. In a time where we find books on Secretariat and Seabiscuit, Snowman would seem like just another one of those S names thrown in to the mix, but the telling of his story is anything but.Throughout the beginning of the book readers will discover a lot about the horses of America, how they worked, how they served our country and how they suddenly seemed to vanish once the big machines came along. The stories of riding schools and the back history of the jumping circuits fill the pages with interesting information, not often known to the casual fan of equestrian sport. Unfortunately, it also leaves you wondering what happened to this Eighty Dollar Champion and what his role in all of that past could possibly be. That said, though the pages might have felt a little weighted against Snowman in the beginning, I found that somehow balanced the image of Snowman’s life, found on a slaughterhouse truck, a nobody, then proving at the end that he was much more than he seemed.
Once reaching the story of Snowman himself, the reader becomes easily caught up in his story of hope. It is clear that the author not only loves horses, but loves the bonds of a rider and his horse. Much time was spent cherishing the kindness in the hearts of true, kind horsemen, who focus on understanding their horses and being understood rather than on simply being forced to obey. At times I was reminded of reading the Black Stallion or Black Beauty, where the theme is much the same, treat your horse well and he will love you in return, doing all that you ask. It was easy to become lost in days of this pair, suffering their difficulties and sharing their joys. There were many moments that seemed repetitive, but those also seemed to fit with the theme of the book, imitating the rhythm of hoof beats in the ring. Perhaps that was also unintentional, but it felt right, somehow to fall into that familiar rhythm that is so often described from Harry’s point of view.
Though the book could be called a little repetitive and unevenly distributed in places, having the back history in the beginning is helpful for those who did not grow up in the time of Snowman and the repetition will take horse lovers into the arena to fall into the flow of step and jump as easily as the rider flows with the horse. The mention of a movie deal was thrown into the fray at one point in the book, yet we discover nothing ever came of it. I say that maybe the movie, taken from the pages of the Eighty Dollar Champion, can finally be made!
Note: Though this book was given to me as part of an early review program, the content of my review was in no way influenced by the gifting. The book speaks for itself and my review would have been worded just this way even if I'd gone out and bought it.
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LibraryThing member silvermoon123456
It was a very interesting and entertaining book, but a little slow for me at times. Overall a good read for horse lovers.
I won this book (advance reader copy) from Librarything early reviewers program. Thank you.
I won this book (advance reader copy) from Librarything early reviewers program. Thank you.
LibraryThing member Kikoa
As a small child I would sneak around the block to a neighbors farm just to get a glimpse of the horses. There was an old mare there, that after a while would let me climb on her back. This was no easy feat as I was about 7 and she was a giant. I would sit and dream of the things I would do. The
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owner of the place finally let me ride her around the ring. These were the best days. The days when I could still dream of what was to come. Thank you for a book that's very words brought all of that back. I love it. Show Less
LibraryThing member bgknighton
This is an enjoyable story of a horse and the people who loved him. It invokes the times and flavor very well. I wish I could have met them. Drags a little in the middle, but overall I would recommend it.
LibraryThing member BAP1012
I loved this book. Before it arrived, I was a little afraid it would be a sentimental story about a wonderful pet. It was but it was so much more. Snowman was indeed a remarkable horse and athlete. Purchased for $80 just as he was headed for the knackers, this horse not only became a champion
The book went deeper than just the history of Snowman and his owner/trainer Harry de Leyer. The author gave background about many related topics such as horse trading, girls' schools in the 1950's, the history of Madison Square Gardens. This background helped round out a inspiring tale to a full-fledged story.
I'm very pleased that I was given an opportunity to read this as part of the Early Reviewers program. Thank you!
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jumper, prizewinner of thousands of dollars but he was a common man's hero too. He was a calm-mannered horse in a venue where high-strung is a common description for the jumper.The book went deeper than just the history of Snowman and his owner/trainer Harry de Leyer. The author gave background about many related topics such as horse trading, girls' schools in the 1950's, the history of Madison Square Gardens. This background helped round out a inspiring tale to a full-fledged story.
I'm very pleased that I was given an opportunity to read this as part of the Early Reviewers program. Thank you!
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LibraryThing member kqueue
Horse lovers and anyone who likes a good underdog story will love this book. This is the true story of Harry de Leyer, a Dutch immigrant and riding instructor at a Long Island girl's school, who buys a broken down plow horse at auction for $80. Harry soon realizes that Snowman is more than just a
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gentle lesson horse - he can fly over the highest fences and compete with the best show jumpers in the world. Author Elizabeth Letts skillfully recreates the atmosphere of Cold War America in the late 50s as well as explaining the intricacies of the show jumping world while detailing Snowman & Harry's breathless accomplishments. There's a lot of hope and heart in this book that will appeal to many people, not just horse aficionados. Show Less
LibraryThing member dulcibelle
I LOVED this book. I was a big horse lover as a child - almost obsessive about them. I read every book I could find about horses (fiction and nonfiction), kept scrapbooks about the Triple Crown, and watched every horse show on TV. This book brought all that back and more. Letts captured the
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emotions of the era well, and explained the attraction of Snowman, the Cinderella Horse. Filled with pictures of the horse and his owner, this is highly recommended for any one who has ever loved a horse - or a "rags to riches" story. Show Less
LibraryThing member Nevadablue
The Eighty-Dollar Champion is the story of Snowman and “The Flying Dutchman” Harry de Leyer, the incomparable pair who won the Triple Crown of jumping horses in 1958, (Horse of the Year, the Professional Horseman’s Association Champion, and Madison Square Garden Champion) and went on to win
The story follows De Leyer and Snowman from the first time they spotted each other, through the slats of a horse truck on the way to the knackers, through all their triumphs and life lessons, to the death of Snowman at age 26. Ms. Letts does a fine job of bringing to life the mind-set of the ‘50s and '60s in America, particularly the horse show circuit, and De Leyer’s determination to succeed in his adopted country, after surviving the Nazis as a child in Holland. Snowman is truly a memorable horse, one that comes along only once in a special person’s life.
I was in high school during this time, and I remember watching Snowman and De Leyer on the tiny TV in my home. I had ridden horses since before I could remember, and was caught up in the wave of national pride they created. It was a treat to be able to read and review this book, and my thanks to Ms. Letts for having the fortitude to present this wonderful story to us!
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many more shows. It is a delightful tale, well written by Elizabeth Letts, who obviously knows horses and their riders. She is particularly knowledgeable about the horse show business.The story follows De Leyer and Snowman from the first time they spotted each other, through the slats of a horse truck on the way to the knackers, through all their triumphs and life lessons, to the death of Snowman at age 26. Ms. Letts does a fine job of bringing to life the mind-set of the ‘50s and '60s in America, particularly the horse show circuit, and De Leyer’s determination to succeed in his adopted country, after surviving the Nazis as a child in Holland. Snowman is truly a memorable horse, one that comes along only once in a special person’s life.
I was in high school during this time, and I remember watching Snowman and De Leyer on the tiny TV in my home. I had ridden horses since before I could remember, and was caught up in the wave of national pride they created. It was a treat to be able to read and review this book, and my thanks to Ms. Letts for having the fortitude to present this wonderful story to us!
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LibraryThing member Fjumonvi
"In his eight years on earth, [the grey horse who became known as Snowman] had pulled a plow, suffered neglect, and been given up for dog meat..." (p. 21). He was literally on the way to the slaughterhouse when Harry de Leyer noticed him and saw something special in him. Harry paid eighty dollars
Snowman, so named when his new owner's four-year-old first glimpsed him in a light snowfall, patiently carried timid students and the de Leyer children. Harry soon discovered, however, that firmly though Snowman's hooves were planted on the ground, his heart wanted to soar. And soar he did, over enough jumps to win national championships and international acclaim. Along the way, he became a beloved member of the de Leyer family, the subject of two books for children, and the darling of an underdog-loving public.
The Eighty-Dollar Champion revives the saga of "the Cinderella horse" who jumped his way from the slaughterhouse to celebrity, retelling a true story that is almost stranger than fiction. Well situated in its era (mainly late 1950s), it contrasts the rise of the hard-working de Leyers with the affluence of Harry's pupils and the owners of Snowman's competitors. It also leads the reader behind the scenes at horse shows, fostering a better understanding of what made Snowman special. One of those things was his relationship with Harry, which will be understood by anyone who has shared a deep bond with a beloved animal.
At its best, The Eighty-Dollar Champion evokes James Herriot's well-loved books--pastoral setting, horses, devoted humans. At times, however, it is repetitious and would have benefited from a bit more editing. A bit more objectivity might also be appropriate; so much praise is heaped upon both Harry and Snowman that the reader is tempted to scrutinize their photographs in search of halos. These quibbles are minor, and the book is an entertaining and delightful read. Animal-lovers and especially equine-enamoured adolescents shouldn't miss it.
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for the animal, nursed him back to health, and put him to work as a lesson horse at the elite school for girls where Harry was employed as riding master.Snowman, so named when his new owner's four-year-old first glimpsed him in a light snowfall, patiently carried timid students and the de Leyer children. Harry soon discovered, however, that firmly though Snowman's hooves were planted on the ground, his heart wanted to soar. And soar he did, over enough jumps to win national championships and international acclaim. Along the way, he became a beloved member of the de Leyer family, the subject of two books for children, and the darling of an underdog-loving public.
The Eighty-Dollar Champion revives the saga of "the Cinderella horse" who jumped his way from the slaughterhouse to celebrity, retelling a true story that is almost stranger than fiction. Well situated in its era (mainly late 1950s), it contrasts the rise of the hard-working de Leyers with the affluence of Harry's pupils and the owners of Snowman's competitors. It also leads the reader behind the scenes at horse shows, fostering a better understanding of what made Snowman special. One of those things was his relationship with Harry, which will be understood by anyone who has shared a deep bond with a beloved animal.
At its best, The Eighty-Dollar Champion evokes James Herriot's well-loved books--pastoral setting, horses, devoted humans. At times, however, it is repetitious and would have benefited from a bit more editing. A bit more objectivity might also be appropriate; so much praise is heaped upon both Harry and Snowman that the reader is tempted to scrutinize their photographs in search of halos. These quibbles are minor, and the book is an entertaining and delightful read. Animal-lovers and especially equine-enamoured adolescents shouldn't miss it.
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LibraryThing member LadyWillendorf
An Equine rags to riches tale of both Equestrian legends Harry DeLeyer and his mount Snowman. Elizabeth Letts weaves her tale around the social history of Show Jumping and ties her history beautifully with the larger issues of the times. The tale is both uplifting in it's biography and somber in
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the historical changes which were just starting in the farming and agricultural communities of America. The main focus of the tale is the bond between horse and rider in which both defy all odds and rise up the ranks of the East Coast Show Circuit. Snowman and the "Flying Dutchman" capture the hearts of the American Public as they soar above the pricey equestrian superstars and the privileged elite. In a sport that usually is won by the horses that fetch the most money, Snowman proves that a horse with enough 'heart' and an owner who puts in enough hard work truly can overcome all obstacles and clear the highest hurdles. Show Less
LibraryThing member LizBuckley
The “Eighty Dollar Champion” by Elizabeth Letts is a book about a horse who was on a truck destined for the slaughterhouse when he was saved at the last minute by a Dutch immigrant named Harry DeLeyer. Harry was late to the auction where the unfortunate horse wound up and was looking for a
The book takes place in the 1950’s and tells of the transformation of the horse, who Harry’s kids named Snowman, and the difficult times that Harry and his family were faced with. After being nursed back to health and cleaned up, Harry took Snowman to the school where he turned out to be a great asset. Snowman helped many girls gain the confidence they needed to ride. He was gentle and secure in any situation and made the girls feel this too. Harry and his family loved Snowman.
Money was very tight and Harry sold Snowman to a neighbor who wanted a gentle horse for his son to learn to ride on. He hated to do it, but needed the money to take care of his family. Night after night Snowman wound up back at Harry’s home. The neighbor kept saying that Snowman was jumping the fence, but since Harry had tried Snowman at jumping on numerous occasions, unsuccessfully, Harry figured that the neighbor had just left the gate unlocked. As a last attempt to keep the horse at the neighbors, Harry tied a tire around Snowman’s neck and put him in a small ring, where the horse wouldn’t have much room to run to jump over the fence...if that was what he was doing, Harry still didn’t believe it. Sure enough, a couple days later, Snowman showed up at Harry’s with the tire and partial fencing dragging behind him. Harry took Snowman back and knew that they had a special bond. He would never sell Snowman again, he was family now.
Life after getting Snowman back changed quickly. Harry trained Snowman to jump. It was not an easy task, but Snowman and Harry never gave up. Both went on together to win many horse shows and become National heros. People from all over learned about Snowman from the newspapers and television. The story of the underdog horse made people feel good, at a time when they needed to.
Elizabeth Letts obviously spent a lot of time researching for this book. Although the story has great potential, it took me about three weeks to read, which means I could put it down and forget about it. At times I felt like I was reading a history book or a horse show manual. Many times information was repeated and information I found irrelevant to the story was included, just because it happened at that time...making me lose interest. I also found a couple dozen errors (typos, grammar, etc.) to the point of being distracting. This is probably just because its not in final print yet, I don’t know...but those are just the ones I started to keep track of to keep me alert. I asked my mother-in-law to read the story too, since she grew up in the 1950’s and her family lived on a farm and owned horses...keeping up with racing, horse shows, etc. She really enjoyed the book as it brought back many memories for her. She also said that you have to have grown up in that time period and live around horses to really appreciate the book. I agree.
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healthy, strong horse that he could use at the Knox School, where he taught the girls to ride. The only horses left on the auction grounds were the ones already loaded up on the truck, heading to the slaughterhouse. Harry asked the driver if he could take a peek at the horses and through the truck he spotted a plow horse with a calm disposition and hope in his eye. He asked the driver to see the horse and the driver obliged. Harry saw past the dirt and scars on the horse’s chest. He saw a horse that had a will to live and that had an easy going disposition that he could use with the more timid riders at the school. He bought the horse with all the money he had, $80.The book takes place in the 1950’s and tells of the transformation of the horse, who Harry’s kids named Snowman, and the difficult times that Harry and his family were faced with. After being nursed back to health and cleaned up, Harry took Snowman to the school where he turned out to be a great asset. Snowman helped many girls gain the confidence they needed to ride. He was gentle and secure in any situation and made the girls feel this too. Harry and his family loved Snowman.
Money was very tight and Harry sold Snowman to a neighbor who wanted a gentle horse for his son to learn to ride on. He hated to do it, but needed the money to take care of his family. Night after night Snowman wound up back at Harry’s home. The neighbor kept saying that Snowman was jumping the fence, but since Harry had tried Snowman at jumping on numerous occasions, unsuccessfully, Harry figured that the neighbor had just left the gate unlocked. As a last attempt to keep the horse at the neighbors, Harry tied a tire around Snowman’s neck and put him in a small ring, where the horse wouldn’t have much room to run to jump over the fence...if that was what he was doing, Harry still didn’t believe it. Sure enough, a couple days later, Snowman showed up at Harry’s with the tire and partial fencing dragging behind him. Harry took Snowman back and knew that they had a special bond. He would never sell Snowman again, he was family now.
Life after getting Snowman back changed quickly. Harry trained Snowman to jump. It was not an easy task, but Snowman and Harry never gave up. Both went on together to win many horse shows and become National heros. People from all over learned about Snowman from the newspapers and television. The story of the underdog horse made people feel good, at a time when they needed to.
Elizabeth Letts obviously spent a lot of time researching for this book. Although the story has great potential, it took me about three weeks to read, which means I could put it down and forget about it. At times I felt like I was reading a history book or a horse show manual. Many times information was repeated and information I found irrelevant to the story was included, just because it happened at that time...making me lose interest. I also found a couple dozen errors (typos, grammar, etc.) to the point of being distracting. This is probably just because its not in final print yet, I don’t know...but those are just the ones I started to keep track of to keep me alert. I asked my mother-in-law to read the story too, since she grew up in the 1950’s and her family lived on a farm and owned horses...keeping up with racing, horse shows, etc. She really enjoyed the book as it brought back many memories for her. She also said that you have to have grown up in that time period and live around horses to really appreciate the book. I agree.
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LibraryThing member TheDivineOomba
This a great book about a horse. Well researched. Very much like Sea Biscuit, only this time, the horse jumps. I was a bit annoyed at the amount of time given to Harry's backstory. Also, the references to Nazi Germany was rather overdone, but overall a great horse story that is well written.
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
2011
Physical description
368 p.; 5.2 inches
ISBN
0345521099 / 9780345521095