Harry & Snowman (2015) User Reviews

For the love and companionship between man and horse

[paul-allaer · 7/10 · 29 October 2016]

"Harry & Snowman" (2015 release; 84 min.) is a documentary about horse rider Harry DeLeyer and his horse Snowman. As the movie opens, we are at "Nederland Farm" and present-day Harry DeLeyer, now well into his 80s, is teaching someone (his granddaughter?) about show jumping, while also telling stories. "Of all the horses I've had, Snowman was the most special". We then go back in time to his early years, growing up in the Netherlands and dealing with WWII at age 13. When he gets the opportunity to move to the US after WWII, he grabs it with both hands. At this time we are 10 min. into the movie.

Couple of comments: this is another documentary from writer-director Ron Davis, founder of Docutainment Films. Here Davis brings us the almost fairy tale-sounding but true story of a guy who immigrated to this country with nothing but the shirt on his back, and turned his love for horses into a career, The big break occurs when at an auction in Pennsylvania, he rescues this white horse for $80 when the horse was about to depart for the meat factory. That horse, Snowman, would become one of the most accomplished show jumping horses ever. But let's be clear: it's about much more than the competition, as impressive as that is: this is about the deep bond, yes love, and companionship between man and horse. It seems as though there wasn't a thing that Snowman wold do for Harry or Harry's family (8 kids). Ah yes, the kids, they are also interviewed extensively and from there we can appreciate the kids' awe for their dad, but also the huge shadow cast by dad's accomplishments. The documentary has an unbelievable amount of footage from the fifties and sixties and that makes the movie also a time machine to that era. Bottom line: this is a fine documentary that flies by in no time.

"Harry & Snowman" has been out for over a year, and this weekend it showed up out of the blue at my local art-house theater here in Cincinnati. The Friday evening screening where I saw this at was attended very nicely, somewhat to my surprise. I also notice a number of kids in the audience, and indeed this is the perfect movie to take kids to, in particular if they love horses. If you have a chance to check it out, be it in the theater, on Amazon Instant Video or eventually on DVD/Blu-ray, just do it. "Harry & Snowman" is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!

What Man, With Horse, Hath Wrought

[mekjd · 9/10 · 15 January 2017]

This movie filled my heart. Anyone who knows me would never dream I would write such a declaration of joy. Yet for this movie, it is appropriate. We have here a man with the wisdom of years who came to adulthood under the duress of Hitler's aggression, whose family gave safe passage to Jews, and who came to the United States at the invitation of a family whose soldier son his family had buried.

But that is just the opening chapter! The adult life is spectacular, having as it centerpiece the improbable rescue of a workhorse who became a national champion jumper and cultural phenomenon.

And that is just the middle chapter! There is more. But I will say no more.

This movie served as such an antidote to the swirl of rancor that envelops our society. I intend to keep it on hand as a go-to for sustenance as the need may -- and no doubt, will -- arise.

Rags to riches horse story

[PrescottFilmFest · 9/10 · 17 May 2015]

Documentaries can be... well... a bit boring. This fact made Harry & Snowman that much more satisfying. Americans, and perhaps people around the world, love the idea of people being able to pull themselves up by their own bootstraps-- it gives us hope that we might do the same.

Putting aside the commercial success side of the story, the simple yet profound bond between this horse and his man is heartwarming. Without giving anything away, all I can say is that I was "hooked" about 20 minutes into the film.

You will not be disappointed. Moving from historical images and footage to current day interviews, the production quality, sound, and use of appropriate music combine for excellent storytelling.

This Doc Ain't Horsin' Around

[brookecolor · 10/10 · 23 May 2016]

Pressing the play button, I expected to be quite bored. Horse riding itself is exhilarating, but for many, myself included, watching horse races or watching people talk about horses isn't nearly as enjoyable as doing the act itself.

I did not expect to be sucked into this story within the first five minutes -- but I was.

The story itself is magnetizing, compelling, and unexpected. The dynamic between a poor immigrant and a horse meant for death, riding together to fame, is something you'd think to see in fiction. The turns and twists in this story proved to be the perfect subject for a humbling documentary.

Besides the tale itself, the filmmakers did a fantastic job at telling it. The heart within Harry and his horse Snowman is mirrored throughout the organization, thought, and execution of the film. It's a story that lasts from Harry as a young man to an elder, and the timeline told is perfectly matched.

You don't need to love horses to love this doc -- all you need are some feelings.

Powerful, beautiful documentary about horse and man

[louisamj · 10/10 · 3 August 2015]

This is a wonderful documentary, full of lots of real footage of all the persons, animals and events it describes. Harry is still alive, and is a warm and funny man as well as being a great storyteller. The relationship that grew between this man who rescued a 12 year old Amish plow horse off a trailer that was taking the horse to the glue factory is amazing to behold. Harry was (and still is) a great trainer, and Snowman (the horse) was a world champion jumper - but none of that was known when Harry bought Snowman off the death truck for $80. The movies gives a lot of insight into the impact that World War 2 had on Harry, and his struggles to find meaningful work with horses and gain respectability after coming here. The footage of them at jumping events, winning prize after prize, as Snowman rises up into the air and over the jumps like a 4-legged angel with Harry one with him on his back - it took my breath away. If you appreciate great stories about the human spirit, the beauty of horses, historical times, and the loving relationship that can grow between a human and a horse - you will love this film.

Fascinating Historical Documentary for Horse Lovers

[aliciaann_b · 10/10 · 24 July 2016]

I was actually surprised at how much I enjoyed Harry and Snowman. It's a tale of Harry and his horse Snowman who he rescued from being sent to the Glue factory. They became unlikely friends and spend a lifetime together reaching great heights against the odds. However this documentary is much more than the historical life and times of a man and his horse; it's about Harry, his past, and his present. The film is told by his sons, daughters, grand-daughter, and of course Harry himself. You get a real in depth look into his past starting with WWII in Holland and how he and his father were part of the resistance. The movie allows you to dive into every triumph and fall of Harry's life. Harry and Snowman had me captivated the whole way through. Whether you are a horse-lover, athlete, or simply someone who enjoys a fine documentary, this film will most definitely be for you. It had me laughing, cheering, and even crying. Do not miss out on this beautiful film that is perfect for all ages.

An Excellent Example of a Dutch Masters

[d_carlotaj · 10/10 · 4 February 2020]

"Harry and Snowman," 2016. Director, Ron Davis. Starring Harry DeLeyer. Wonderful, feel-good, "kick in the heart" story that for me rivals "Secretariat." This docudrama is told from the point-of-view of Harry DeLeyer, a Dutch immigrant who made his new home on Long Island just after World War II. DeLeyer was a young man who had served his country in the Dutch Resistance. Moving to America, Harry's hobby/passion for horses brings him into contact with horseman who is selling his "discontinued" horses to a glue factory. Arriving late to the sale, Harry buys Snowman right off the trailer bound for the factory...for $80. And the rest is history! Snowman goes on to national victory as a jumper. The portrait of Snowman and Harry and their relationship gives us an intimate glimpse of the special bond and love, and maybe even gratitude, between these two. A life's journey that was full and rich beyond measure. Snowman lived as long as he could just for Harry. A wonderful story. I give it 5 of 5 stars. It's on Netfkix. Enjoy!

i see white and gold

[foot-06220 · 1 June 2016]

this documentary is touches my heart and makes me want to go ride a horse. the story is about a man named harry whom saved a horse from the glue factory. this horse, snowman, eventually becomes an international star by winning the 1958 triple crown.

the story touches upon harry's struggles as a child immigrant from Holland and centers around his own family and snowman in north carolina. tragedy and mishap strikes along with wins and optimism which makes this film a delight to watch.

the photography is outstanding, the story is powerful and snowman is nothing but a real treasure.

Amazing story, extremely well made film

[A_Different_Drummer · 9/10 · 18 February 2017]

The challenge with documentaries is that sometimes the film-making is better than the story, and sometimes the story is better than the film-making.

Credit to writer/Director Ron Davies for taking a truly extraordinary story and crafting an extraordinary film to match, a film that occasionally tricks you and makes you think you are watching a Hollywood recreation, the kind of thing Ron Howard might do.

The story is well-known: an older plow horse on its way to the glue factory is purchased for $80 by a new American who had been obsessed with horses since he was a child. The horse becomes one of the best known jumpers in history, breaking all records, even a record for highest jump (over 7 feet), a feat which by itself holds for 10 years.

Davis slowly crafts the story around the incredible beyond-belief "connection" between horse and owner, and the story practically tells itself.

The story lags only rarely -- some WW2 backstory seems oddly out of place, as do some details about Harry's marriage.

On the other hand, the confession by Harry's children that the horse was a "member of the family" and they shamelessly used him for everything from dragging a sleigh in winter to taking them swimming in the ocean -- LITERALLY! -- and also using him as a diving board.

Guaranteed to make you smile! That said, the close of the piece -- where retired Snow Man has come to the point where he must be euthanized -- and he refuses to leave the stall without Harry, well, if that doesn't bring a tear to your eye, nothing will.

Brilliant. Inspiring. Recommended.

As good as it gets

[QueenoftheGoons · 10/10 · 8 March 2022]

I love when something beats the pedigreed royal rich people. An 80$ horse against all these rich snooty people, who i can't stand on a good day. This horse was mind blowing. I didn't like it when his wife blamed him for an accident their daughter had and she gave him an ultimatum. I'm glad he chose to keep the horses. I can't stand women anyway but i really can't stand the ones who try and change their man. Glad she left. Movie was one of the most touching in a very long time. Worth the 20$ i paid for it from Radio Spirits.

Snowman, the horse that was almost human

[pcampionz · 10/10 · 19 June 2021]

I was always a fan of the Palomino because of the show Mr. Ed, I was scrolling through the Roku the other day and this documentary popped up for whatever reason I do not know. But I think I got drawn in from the white horse so glad that Harry decided to make a few films of snowman for the documentary. Not sure if I've ever seen an animal, or a horse for that matter, that was part of a family and the horse knew it. I am curious why they never made a film about this they could make it lighthearted have a little fiction story line with it but they may have a little bit of trouble finding a horse with a personality like snowman. You can really tell that Harry had such a love for snowman like he was his own child. This one brought tears of joy for me highly recommend it.