Harry and the Snowman tells the story of Harry de Leyer, a Dutch post war emigrant to the US and the horse he saved for $80 at a slaughter auction. Harry who grew up with horses in Holland became a successful show jumper.

Snowman was a very special horse. Used as an Amish plow horse until 12 years old, then saved by Harry, he had a remarkable temperament which allowed him to be a family pet, riding school horse, and US Championship show-jumper all at once. He was the best Show jumping horse in the US in 1958 & 1959, and held the jumping height record for over 10 years.

The film is well made including many original clips. Funny at times, and very sad at others, one of my favourite parts was when Harry sold Snowman early on to a local doctor. But Snowman wanted to come back to Harry and repeatably jumped fences to return home even once with a tyre attached to his legs. Harry bought him back and didn’t sell him again even when offered $100K.

Perhaps I’m a bit biased also owning a big, gray, courageous horse but you don’t need to love horses to enjoy this documentary. This film highlights the friendship between man and horse, the triumph of the human spirit, and what can be done with determination.

I’m not sure if there are any more screenings in Perth (certainly not in Armadale). However, the cinema today was fuller than for most movies I have gone to and when it finished you could hear a needle drop and most people left after the credits finished. IMDB rates it at 8.8 Definitely recommended.

Youtube Trailer:

Author: Jurgen Steinert