Retirement ceremony of Snowman at the National Horse Show. Harry de Leyer
Retirement of the legendary Snowman at the 1969 National.
Known as the “Flying Dutchman,” Harry de Leyer and his $80 rescue horse, Snowman, captured the attention of the National Horse Show in the late 1950s, making history as the first horse to be named Horse of the Year twice consecutively.
In 1958, even Johnny Carson made an appearance at the show, riding Snowman backwards for a skit on The Tonight Show. Here we see de Leyer bidding farewell to his extraordinary partner at the National, a moment that took place forty-six years ago. They were true icons of the Golden Age of Show Jumping.
There are heroes, and then there are heroes, and this duo exemplified both. Snowman became an incredible champion, while Harry was the remarkable rescuer who saved him from slaughter by purchasing him for just $80. Together, they created a remarkable story, a true fairy tale in the world of equestrian sports.
