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Docutainment Films Calls for Harry de Leyer and Snowman Footage to Tell the Untold Story of their Inspired True Story

West Palm Beach, FL – October 3, 2012 – Docutainment Films has mastered the art of capturing stories of true inspiration in their documentaries and short films. Their most recent endeavor involves a feature length documentary about the life and career of Harry de Leyer and his world-renowned horse Snowman. They are calling out for your help in locating film footage and stills of the dynamic duo, as well as footage and stills from throughout de Leyer’s career, including his other famous horse Dutch Crown and footage and stills of the National Horse Show during the late 1950’s throughout the 1980’s.

 

Long Island riding instructor Harry de Leyer found the miracle horse who launched his riding career on a Pennsylvania Horse Auction block in 1957. Arriving late, Harry was left with only the rejects of the auction that were already boarded on a truck for the meat and glue factory, but he made eyes with a large white, former Amish plow horse who he purchased for a mere $80.

 

De Leyer named him Snowman and used him as a lesson horse for children at his barn. De Leyer sold the horse to a neighbor, but recognized jumping talent and potential in Snomwan as he cleared every obstacle to jump his way “home” to de Leyer farm six miles down the road-and so began his show jumping career. He won prestigious classes only two years after being saved from the slaughter truck, and his career lasted five years. He is well known for his calm disposition and willingness in the show ring.

 

 

The loveable grey took the equestrian sport by storm, also appearing on television shows such as Johnny Carson’s where it is well remembered that Carson climbed aboard. Snowman has been the subject of two books, had his own fan club, and was flown aboard for “guest appearances.” The dynamic duo stayed together throughout Snowman’s retirement until he was 26.

 

Snowman was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in 1992, and has been made into a Breyer horse model, now a collector’s item. His most recent step into the limelight, however, is the feature length documentary in development by Docutainment Films.

 

 

Ron Davis is an award winning documentary Director and Producer who assembles Emmy® and OSCAR® nominated teams to develop and produce his films. His first feature documentary, PAGEANT, went on to garner 10 major film festival awards before premiering on The Sundance Channel in 2010. Davis recently completed his first HBO Documentary Film, MISS YOU CAN DO IT, which he directed and produced. The film is scheduled for release in 2013. Docutainment Films, based in West Palm Beach, FL, is currently in development on several feature length and short documentaries.

 

“This is an amazing story,” Davis remarked. “It has never been told on film, and especially not in a feature length documentary. This story stands the test of time.”

 

Davis continued, “When you looked at Harry and Snowman on paper in the 1950’s, neither were destined for greatness, but when they came together, there is no other word to describe them other than inspiring.”

 

For more information regarding this Docutainment Films (www.docutainmentfilms.com) documentary or to send footage or stills for the film, please contact Ron Davis at ron@docutainmentfilms.com or 561-228-8885.

 

Photo Credit: Harry de Leyer jumps Snowman without reins. Photo by LIFE magazine.  

This photograph may only be used in relation to this Phelps Media Group press release.

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