Harry de Leyer was born in the small village of St. Oedenrode, Holland, in 1928. His father was a prosperous brewer and president of the local Dutch version of the 4-H. One of twelve children, Harry grew up working on his family farm, riding on the farm horses after his chores were done.

His dreams of becoming a professional rider were dashed when his village was occupied by the Nazis during World War II. Although only a teenager, Harry worked with the Resistance, smuggling food through Nazi checkpoints in a horse drawn cart.

After the war, he and his wife emigrated to the United States with $160 and a small wooden crate holding all their belongings — including Harry’s worn leather saddle and riding boots. Harry went to work as a tenant farmer, but when his gift for training horses emerged, he was offered a job as a riding instructor at the Knox School in New York.

With Snowman, Harry began a career as one of the most successful riders and trainers in America. He represented the United States at the World Championships in Gothenborg, Sweden in 1983 and was recognized by the United States Equestrian Foundation with a Pegasus Medal of Honor in 2002 for his lifetime contribution to the sport. Now 83, the "Galloping Grandfather" is training yet another generation of riders.