Hi All!! I am hoping you are all doing well. I am not much of a blogger. I find it difficult to find a subject to write about that anyone would find interesting. That being said, I did find something that I felt was worthy and touching while watching a documentary/movie the other day.
Harry de Leyer had been raised around horses all of his life. He was as much a part of them as they were of him. Fighting against the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands, Harry, a Dutchman, along with his family did all he could to aid the underground and help the allies that were brought down by the enemy in his home territory. The German's took all the horses they could find and yet left them to starve when they moved on. Harry could not see them starve, so with a great effort on his part he made sure those horses so cruelly treated by the invaders found their way back to good pastures.
Harry immigrated to the United States when the family of a downed soldier, that he had helped although could not save, sponsored him and his family. He then moved to Long Island, New York, and began working as a riding instructor at the Knox School, an academy for girls. Harry, one day, traveled to Holland, Pennsylvania looking to buy horses for the school. Unfortunately, …...well......let me stop here...….this is a story you need to find out for yourselves. You won't regret it. I believe if I am not mistaken you can watch about Harry and Snowman on Utube, and certainly on Netflix.
Believe me.....men like Harry and horses like Snowman do not come along every day. I hope you enjoy this as much as I did.
To read about him follow the link in tags.
Comments
Thanks for sharing this lovely story! It is an inspiring one. It is really impresive how a humble horse like snowman could get so many awards. That shows that if we work hard many dreams can come true! And the bond between Snowman and his owner is touching.
Thank you Paula for your blog. Have a wonderful Sunday!
Thank you for commenting Dara......I am interested to see how you enjoy horseback riding when you get the opportunity. I will say.....be careful.....as with all things new.....HUGGGGGGG
Dear mod. Paula, if I told you that I have never been on a horseback before, would you believe me? To me, it is a wish to become like Harry. I am planning to practice this sport on my next vacation. I am glad you enjoyed reading this article. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Bet and Roman for your comments!! Roman I understand your concern, but you know......sometimes there is a bond between an animal and the person that saved it. We do not always give the animal credit for what it can understand. I had always heard that jumping fences was against a horse's nature. Sure, when something is made into a documentary or movie......we cannot always know if it is the truth. Snowman lived until he was 26 years old...…..and then he was put down to keep him from suffering. Nothing anywhere says the opposite of what has been told about this animal. He loved the de Leyer's……..and how many are destroyed without ever reaching their potential, or knowing the kindness of a human hand as opposed to a cruel one? If the information in this story is true...….the animal was made a member of this family......remember Snowman made his preference clear when he had been sold and would not stay with the new owner......he kept returning to the one he was closest with. He finally got his point across and de Leyer bought him back and vowed he would never be sold again. What better life has any animal than to be included as a part of a family that loves it? But the thing is......what adversity this man and this animal overcame. Mr. de Leyer was a brave and exceptional man......or so it is written......as was Snowman, but Snowman had no options other than an early death sentence at a slaughterhouse until de Leyer saw something in him that day at the auction.
The point of this story is that with effort and determination.....we can all aspire and be more than we ever thought possible. I don't believe Snowman was mistreated by Mr. de Leyer. I will have to say.....I wasn't there......and I can't say for sure. But one thing I do know.....I always value your opinion Roman...….and I thank you so much for commenting...….never worry!!!....HUGGGGGGGGGGG
Thanks, dear Paula!
Hi, Paula!
Thanks, I am fine! I hope you are also good!
Thank you for always trying to entertain MyEC members! Your posts are always true and meaningful!
This story about Harry and his horse Snowman teaches us a lot, but at the same time I think, it is a little bit exaggerated.
Of course, there is no doubt, it is better for horse to work in a jump show instead of being killed at slaughterhouse, but when everyone says "they were best friends!", for me it sounds a little bit weird.