Adapted from the #1 New York Times bestselling adult novel, this
inspiring true story of a man and horse duo who rose to the top of the
competitive equestrian world is one of unstoppable hope, inconceivable
dreams, and the chance to have it all, perfect for animal lovers and
history buffs alike.
On a bleak winter afternoon, Harry de Leyer first saw the horse he would
name Snowman between the slats of a rickety truck bound for the
slaughterhouse. Noting a spark in the horse's eye, the Dutch immigrant
bought the beaten-up animal for only eighty dollars and took him to the
family's modest farm on Long Island.
Though Snowman thrived in his new home, Harry needed money. Reluctantly,
he sold Snowman to another farm a few miles down the road. But the
shaggy horse had other ideas.
When he turned up back at Harry's barn, dragging an old tire and a
broken fence board, Harry knew that he had misjudged the horse. Snowman
then began his extraordinary path to stardom as Harry trained him to
show jump, taking Snowman all the way to the very top of the sport.
This dramatic and inspiring rise to stardom of an unlikely duo is based
on the insight and recollections of the Flying Dutchman himself. Snowman
and Harry's story captured the heart of Cold War-era America--a story of
unstoppable hope, inconceivable dreams, and the chance to have it all.
Elizabeth Letts's message is simple: Never give up, even when the
obstacles seem sky-high. There is something extraordinary in all of us.
Praise for the Adult Edition of The Eighty-Dollar Champion
A classic American dream story, with a down-on-its-luck horse
galloping in for good measure.-USA Today
If you loved the story of Seabiscuit, the surprise champion racehorse,
make a date to check out the true story of Snowman.-San Jose
Mercury News
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- "This is a wonderful book--joyous, heartfelt, and an eloquent
reminder that hope can be found in the unlikeliest of places. Most of
all, it's a moving testament to the incredible things that can grow from
the bond between animals and humans. If you love a great animal tale,
you'll love this book!"--Gwen Cooper, author of Homer's Odyssey