Watch Harry & Snowman

In the world of show jumping, there are few stories as legendary as that of Harry and Snowman. The documentary Harry & Snowman, directed by Ron Davis and released in 2015, chronicles the remarkable journey of a Dutch immigrant named Harry DeLeyer and a plucky grey horse he rescued from the slaughterhouse. Harry DeLeyer was a young riding instructor in Holland when he emigrated to the United States in 1950, settling in Long Island with his wife and young family. He found work as a riding instructor at the Knox School for girls, but it was a chance encounter that would change his life forever. On a snowy day in 1956, Harry was driving past a Pennsylvania horse auction when he spotted a forlorn grey gelding who had been marked for the knacker. Against his better judgment, Harry decided to take a chance on the scrappy horse, paying $80 for him on the spot.

The horse, who Harry named Snowman, proved to be an unruly and unpredictable mount in the early days of their partnership. Harry's students were afraid of him, and at one point Snowman even bolted in the middle of a class, causing chaos in the indoor arena. But Harry saw something special in Snowman, and he gradually began to tame his wild spirit. Soon, the unlikely duo began competing in local horse shows, where they quickly made a name for themselves by clearing jumps with ease and winning against expensive show horses.

As Harry and Snowman's reputation grew, they began to attract the attention of top riders and trainers in the sport of show jumping. But Harry refused big offers to sell Snowman - he knew he had something extraordinary in the horse he had rescued from the brink of death. Instead, Harry and Snowman continued to compete and win against the best in the world, including Olympic riders and champions. Their story captured the imagination of the public and the press, and they became the darlings of the equestrian world.

The documentary Harry & Snowman is a moving tribute to the bond between a man and a horse, and the triumph of hard work and perseverance over seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Along with vintage footage and photographs of Harry and Snowman's early days, the film features interviews with Harry (now in his 80s), his wife Harriet, and their children and grandchildren. They recount the many ups and downs of Harry and Snowman's journey, including the heartbreaking moments when Snowman suffered from health issues and Harry had to make difficult decisions about his beloved horse's future.

The film is also a meditation on the enduring power of a good story. Harry and Snowman's tale has all the elements of a classic underdog story - a scrappy outsider who rises to the top against all odds, a loyal companion who defies expectations and captures hearts. But what makes their story truly special is the genuine affection and devotion between Harry and Snowman. As Harry says in one of the film's poignant moments, "I never loved a horse like that before, and I never will again."

Harry & Snowman is a must-see for anyone who loves horses or believes in the power of perseverance and the human-animal bond. It's a timeless story that will make you laugh, cry, and cheer - and it's a testament to the enduring legacy of Harry and Snowman, a true American legend.

Harry & Snowman is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 74.