
Snowman was a horse bound for the slaughterhouse only for Dutch immigrant Harry de Leyer to buy him for $80 to teach children to ride.

But Snowman happened to be a superb jumper and just two years later went on to beat America's best horses at Madison Square Gardens.

De Leyer remembers Snowman as the most placid of creatures, always at ease with children.

Rider and horse's story is now showing in US cinemas.

The horse earned its name from de Leyer's children after snowflakes fell in the early days of his arrival.

De Leyer is surrounded by photographs at his home today and describes the horse as "his best friend."

Snowman and de Leyer's story could yet get the Hollywood treatment with MGM Studios having optioned a recent book of their lives.