Friend & Family Owned - Trade-in and SAVE more

Breyer Snowman 1708

Breyer Snowman 1708

Product Details

Breyer Snowman 1708


A big gray horse with an even bigger heart, Snowman rose from obscurity to become one of show jumping's most beloved heroes.

His rags-to-riches story began in 1956, when Harry de Leyer, a Long Island riding instructor, went shopping for potential school horses in Pennsylvania. Arriving too late for the auction, he spotted "rejects" being loaded onto a van bound for the slaughterhouse. Though bony, beat up and filthy, one plow horse showed enough spark to catch his eye. De Leyer made an offer, and for $80, the 7-year-old gelding was his.

Quiet enough to be a lesson horse, the new rescue was a hit with children, who dubbed him "Snowman." But when sold to a local doctor, he kept jumping fences and returning to de Leyer. Recognizing his talent, de Leyer began training him for the show ring.

Soon, Snowman was meeting and beating the country's best jumpers everywhere he went. He'd clear anything from a 7'2 obstacle to another horse - and do it with care. Yet this child-friendly, 16h giant could still win a leadline class on the same day as sweeping an open jumper championship.

Snowman was champion at the 1958 National Horse Show, winning the stake there the following year. In 1958 and 1959, he was named both the American Horse Shows Association Horse of the Year and the Professional Horsemen's Association Champion.

"The people's horse," he made appearances abroad, became a television celebrity, and was the subject of several books. Even in retirement, Snowman remained a popular attraction at de Leyer's farm, where he died in 1974. Eighteen years later, he was inducted into show jumping's Hall of Fame.

Snowman's legacy lives on as the subject of Elizabeth Letts' New York Times bestseller, The Eighty Dollar Champion, which tells his amazing Cinderella story.

Similar Products

Order Now
tybr1708
$55.77$40.89
ItemSnowman 1708 Out of Stock
Item Out-of-Stock
Laurie Cancemi from Facebook

I've purchased 2 saddles from the Horse Saddle Shop. Both times it was a pleasure. The first saddle was not custom and was an easy transaction. The second time, I ordered a custom saddle and worked with Charlie. He was knowledgable and professional throughout our long arduous process of getting the custom saddle made by the manufacurer. I would definately purchase a saddle from Horse Saddle Shop and Charlie again.

Karen Sieg

I have never been more pleased with a business and so satisfied with my purchase! I contacted Horse Saddle Shop about a saddle to fit my Haflinger. Josh spent a lot of time on phone and email with me until late night. I let him pick a bridle and breast plate to match. Everything was perfect, shipping was fast, boxed well, prices very fair. I love my saddle, and will definitely be making more purchases from Horse Saddle Shop.

Robyn Lebo from Facebook

Extremely good to deal with very helpful. I just can’t recommend these guys enough. Considering I am in Australia they were extremely good to deal with very helpful I recommend them 150% saddle was packed well and it’s beautiful very happy customer 5 start rating hands down.

Giustina Lee from Nevada

Incredibly streamlined and easy. I am absolutely blown away by the service horse saddle shop provided me. I am naturally a very indecisive person and incredibly picky when it comes to my gear, so after months of shopping and reading my boyfriend suggested here. He also had a positive experience. I browsed their wide selection of used saddles and there it was, MY saddle. The chat staff was incredibly helpful and my saddle was here 4 days later even with free shipping! The saddle was accurately represented in the photos is far from "used". I'm thrilled, to say the least. Thank you!

Tiffany Wilson from Facebook

After so much searching and being nervous about ordering a saddle online. I picked up the phone and called the Horse Saddle Shop to ask a few questions about a used saddle that was on their website. They were so nice and helpful. I ordered my very lightly used Circle Y saddle and a new saddle pad. It arrived very quickly. Only a few days. I LOVE my new saddle. In great condition and rides great! I would highly recommend using them for your tack needs. I know I will be in the future!

Ronda Trosper via Facebook

Customer service is amazing! Super quick shipping! My first saddle didn't fit correctly, they helped me find the right fit for both my horse and me, and we love our new Circle Y Kentucky gaited ❤ thank you Horse Saddle Shop!