The
Eighty Dollar Champion
by Elizabeth Letts [798.25 Let
The true
story of Snowman, a former plowhorse, and Harry de Leyer, Dutch immigrant and
trainer at a private girls' school. Harry buys Snowman for $80 off a knacker's
truck and later discovers the horse's spectacular jumping skills. Set in the
1950s and 60s, this story brings to life the moneyed show jump world with its
built-in prejudices, as Harry and Snowman compete against the upper-crust and
their elite thoroughbreds with fancy equipment and blankets. Snowman ultimately
appeared in most of the major magazines and newspapers, and was a model horse
for Breyer. Horsey people will love this book - one can almost smell the
leather, saddle soap, and horse sweat -- but "regular" folk will enjoy this
quiet story as well. Told chronologically but includes flashbacks where
appropriate as one learns about Harry and his wife during WWII and how they made
it to America. Nine discs, the 10th is comprised of photos. [If you enjoy this,
you may also wish to try Seabiscuit:
An American Legend by Laura Hillenbrand.] -- recommended by Charlotte K. - Bennett Martin Public Library
[Also
available in book-on-cd
and downloadable
E-book formats.]
[ official Elizabeth Letts/Eighty Dollar Champion web site ]
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