The Eighty-Dollar Champion

By Elizabeth Letts

The Eighty-Dollar Champion - Elizabeth Letts
  • Release Date: 2011-08-23
  • Genre: Nature
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 435 Ratings

Description

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The dramatic and inspiring story of a man and his horse, an unlikely duo whose rise to stardom in the sport of show jumping captivated the nation  

Harry de Leyer first saw the horse he would name Snowman on a truck bound for the slaughterhouse. The recent Dutch immigrant 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, he ultimately taught Snowman how to fly. Here is the dramatic and inspiring rise to stardom of an unlikely duo. One show at a time, against extraordinary odds and some of the most expensive thoroughbreds alive, the pair climbed to the very top of the sport of show jumping. Their story captured the heart of Cold War–era America—a story of unstoppable hope, inconceivable dreams, and the chance to have it all. They were the longest of all longshots—and their win was the stuff of legend.

Reviews

  • THE BEST

    5
    By Equine Lover🐴🐎
    This book is definitely a personal best. I just finished the book and watched the movie "Harry and Snowman" a few hours ago. I'm a lover of books about horses and gave 9 myself. I love how the book shows Harry and Snowmans relationship like how you can show it IRL (in real life). I've read SO MANY horse books but this is a favorite. You MUST read this book!
  • $80.00champion

    5
    By Dottieguionnaud
    I didn't expect this story to be so good. Not just for horse lovers.
  • Love this book!

    5
    By Sy J
    Great read for the young and the old. Incredibly inspiring story.
  • Interesting story

    2
    By sant patrick
    Interesting story, but unfortunate very repetitive written. Historically false, like "Deutscland ueber alles" is not the title of the German hymned and this stance is never been sung. A lot of hatred towards the Germans, which Elizabeth Letts puts constantly in the same pot as the Nazis. Very Unreflected and it makes me ask what else is wrong.
  • Occupy... the 1950's horse world?

    1
    By SciFires
    I really wanted to like this book. What's not to like about a great horseman who through hard work, skill, and knowledge made it to the top? But sadly, the author of this book frequently attributes his success to mere "luck", and filters every character motive inappropriately through a 21st century lense. The author seems as though she would be happier joining the Occupy movement than writing about a great horseman. If the number of times the author whined about the rich/ elite/ etc were turned into a drinking game, even a Wisconsinite would be smashed before a chapter was finished. I can only hope that this book doesn't turn the author into one of the 1%'ers she so clearly enviously despises. If you want an accurate representation of the times and characters, I recommend that you keep searching.
  • The $80 Horse

    5
    By Joaniewilliams
    This is a MUST READ book if you love horses or true stories or true horse stories. And do read the notes at the end, especially the interview with Mr deLeyer....very interesting. Great Book!!
  • Great underdog story.

    4
    By art in the park
    Both man & horse had a similar character & heart. They may have had great obstacles to overcome, but together they soared and won the prize. Others might have written them off, but their inner fire and determination caused them to beat the odds that were stacked against them. It's a story of hope, encouraging anyone who might be struggling to meet their goals or achieve their dreams.
  • Lovely, Encouraging, Am Awesome Read

    5
    By Melody07
    With my daughter just weeks away from a Youth National Championship, the book was highlighted on so many pages because I want her to read that Harry felt about his horse as she does. Read it in a day. Could not put it down.
  • Remarkable Story

    5
    By SDWill
    At a time when most current literature is spawned from corporate greed, public corruption or common vice, this true story is a remarkable ray of sunshine. Anyone who has ever sensed an intuitive bond with a member of the animal kingdom will relate to the magical heart of this story. The author is to be congratulated for her commitment to this project, which is clearly a labor of love.
  • Snowman

    3
    By obkitty
    A great story boringly told. Way too verbose.