The Eighty-Dollar Champion
By Elizabeth Letts
- Release Date: 2011-08-23
- Genre: Nature
Description
#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.
Reviews
Survivors
5By Trumpet-creeperThis is the story of a courageous horseman, Harry de Leyer and his beloved horse, Snowman. It gives an excellent look at the hard work and risks of show jumping.THE BEST
5By 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
5By DottieguionnaudI didn't expect this story to be so good. Not just for horse lovers.Love this book!
5By Sy JGreat read for the young and the old. Incredibly inspiring story.Interesting story
2By sant patrickInteresting 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?
1By SciFiresI 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
5By JoaniewilliamsThis 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.
4By art in the parkBoth 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
5By Melody07With 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
5By SDWillAt 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.
