the scoop
The Return of the Galloping Grandfather Harry de Leyer Greets Fans in Long Island ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY PAULA RODENAS
HAD THERE BEEN A TIMED JUMP-OFF between Harry de Leyer and Santa Claus, Long Island’s “galloping grandfather” would have beaten the man in red to the wire. De Leyer went from Virginia, where he presently resides, to Rider’s Choice Saddlery in Ronkonkoma, NY, on December 23, 2013 to sign copies of The Eighty-Dollar Champion n by Elizabeth Letts (Ballantine 2012), as well as Breyer models of his Snowman. He was accompanied by his daughter, Harriet, who at age four declared that de Leyer’s new horse looked like a snowman. The name stuck. Most readers will find the story of Snowman familiar: His rescue from the slaughterhouse by de Leyer, how he was sold and kept jumping fences to return to de Leyer, his prowess in the show jumping arena, and his Professional Horsemen’s Association of America (PHA), AHSA (now U.S. Equestrian Federation), and National Horse Show championships in 1958 and 1959. The book describes it all in detail. One of the first people to publicize the grey gelding’s talent was the late journalist Marie Lafrenz, who wrote for the Horsemen’s Yankee Pedlarr and handled public relations for New York’s National Horse Show. Lafrenz headlined Snowman as the “Cinderella horse” and considered herself his fairy godmother. On one occasion in 1958, she and de Leyer handwalked Snowman through the streets of Manhattan during the National to appear on the Tonight Show with Johnny
[ABOVE] Harry de Leyer signs a Breyer model for Breeze Tigar, whose grandmother rode Snowman. [BELOW] Harriet and Harry de Leyer at Rider’s Choice Saddlery on Long Island. »
Carson. The horse rode up in the freight elevator, was perfectly behaved on the set, and even let Carson sit on his back. He was then walked back to Madison Square Garden, where he won his class that night. Harry de Leyer lived on Long Island for many years, where he taught riding at the Knox School, hunted with the Smithtown Hunt, competed, and established Hollandia Farm in St. James, where he taught and trained. De Leyer came from a farm background in Holland in 1950, lacking the background of the classically trained cavalry officers from other nations who arrived in the United States after the war. His riding style was uniquely personal, relying on balance and timing. Among the autograph collectors this past December was Breeze Tigar, 10, who wanted a book signed for her grandmother, Bonnie Vezzi, who rode Snowman many years ago as a student of de Leyer. A large crowd wound its way through the store, and de Leyer greeted everyone with warmth and humor. Snowman lived until 1974. De Leyer eventually moved to Virginia, where he still rides at 86, despite having broken his back in 2005. He agreed to a Breyer
Nine Day-End y Championships Awarded At First Show of Hillside Meadows Fall/Winter Series ON DECEMBER 8, 2013, HILLSIDE Meadows Equestrian Center in Grafton, MA, held its first open schooling show of its 2013-2014 Fall/Winter Series. Even though there was a definite chill in the air, many exhibitors took advantage of the opportunity to attend and get more 84
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show mileage. Spectators and show staff were kept warm and happy with hot beverages and homemade macaroni and cheese from the great food booth. Janet King of Sturbridge, MA, officiated, offering helpful pointers and keeping the classes moving along smoothly.
model of Snowman only when he learned the proceeds would be directed to the care of rescued horses. De Leyer’s family and friends are urging him to move back to Long Island, and it is clear that his memories are strong. “I showed here with Snowman, and my farm was here in St. James,” he said. He especially remembers watching his children grow up and compete. When he came to the United States from Holland in 1950, de Leyer never dreamed that he would become a legend. “That was luck,” he said. “I want to thank all the American people who made it possible.”
This show offered a quiet, relaxed environment for both exhibitors and their horses, with day-end championships in nine divisions, from Leadline to Open Hunter. There was also an Open Model Horse/Pony class this season, which was won by Meaghan Donahue and Rick’s Wild Ace. In WalkTrot 13 & Under, Paige Nyren and Jaybird were champions, followed by Morgane Inhabre-Coureshne and Just George in reserve. The Walk-Trot 14 & Over Champions were Amy Kuo and Fairy, while Stephanie Anderson
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| March 2014
2/7/14 12:45:58 PM