Get out the old riding boots, snap on that helmet, and be prepared for the leap of a lifetime- if you can find the horse first. Harry and Snowman? More like Harry and Harry. The title leads the audience to jump to the conclusion that this is a documentary about the connection between Triple Crown winner Harry deLeyer and his prize-winning horse, Snowman. Snowman galloped away from the screen and refused to come back until half of the film was over. Once you actually find Snowman, saddle up the steed and bound off to the ring.

Harry deLeyer had a very humble start growing up on a farm in Holland during World War II. He arrived in America with his wife through the works of an American soldier Harry never even met. While working as a riding instructor at a female private school, he nearly missed the livestock auction that would change his life. With a flat tire and the clock ticking, Harry arrived at the auction just as the left-over horses were getting settled onto the slaughter truck. Snowman locked eyes with Harry in between the rungs of the trailer, and it was at this moment that Harry paid $80 for what would be a world-renown horse. Snowman and Harry won the Triple Crown in 1958, but the fame did not stop there. Jumping show obstacles became far too easy, so Harry set even higher goals and Snowman soon broke the record for clearing the tallest jump. This so called "Cinderella Horse" has inspired and captured the hearts of millions around the globe. The film had an enormous amount of potential; the story of Harry deLeyer itself is absolutely amazing. It is the epitome of a rags to riches story. Who wouldn't want to be enchanted and captivated by a tale that proves that success comes with dedication and hard-work?

However, Ron Davis, the director and producer, ultimately failed in successfully portraying this story. The use of "original tape" of Harry competing in a show or Snowman swimming through the ocean seems like it would be a wonderful inclusion to make the film more raw and authentic. The film was filled to the brim with this "original" footage. Most old tapes are low-quality and fuzzy because the ordinary family member is not an expert videographer, but this wasn't the case in this film. The unbelievable quality of the "original" tape made me wonder if it was legitimate or not. It seamlessly flowed between shots of current film.

Harry and Snowman became a celebrity duo quickly rising to fame across the world. His entire life and soul revolved around the change his life. With a flat tire and the clock ticking, Harry arrived at the auction just as the left-over horses were getting settled onto the slaughter truck. Snowman locked eyes with Harry in between the rungs of the trailer, and it was at this moment that Harry paid $80 for what would be a world-renown horse. Snowman and Harry won the Triple Crown in 1958, but the fame did not stop there. Jumping show obstacles became far too easy, so Harry set even higher goals and Snowman soon broke the record for clearing the tallest jump. This so called "Cinderella Horse" has inspired and captured the hearts of millions around the globe. The film had an enormous amount of potential; the story of Harry deLeyer itself is absolutely amazing. It is the epitome of a rags to riches story. Who wouldn't want to be enchanted and captivated by a tale that proves that success comes with dedication and hard-work? However, Ron Davis, the director and producer, ultimately failed in successfully portraying this story. The use of "original tape" of Harry competing in a show or Snowman swimming through the ocean seems like it would be a wonderful inclusion to make the film more raw and authentic. The film was filled to the brim with this "original" footage. Most old tapes are low-quality and fuzzy because the ordinary family member is not an expert videographer, but this wasn't the case in this film. The unbelievable quality of the "original" tape made me wonder if it was legitimate or not. It seamlessly flowed between shots of current film. However, Ron Davis, the director and producer, ultimately failed in successfully portraying this story. The use of "original tape" of Harry competing in a show or Snowman swimming through the ocean seems like it would be a wonderful inclusion to make the film more raw and authentic. The film was filled to the brim with this "original" footage. Most old tapes are low-quality and fuzzy because the ordinary family member is not an expert videographer, but this wasn't the case in this film. The unbelievable quality of the "original" tape made me wonder if it was legitimate or not. It seamlessly flowed between shots of current film. But also a warm and genuine smile on their faces. Each one that I encountered was overly kind and courteous, and seemed excited that I was there. The experience that they provide really does make the Middleburg festival stand out from the Toronto and Sundance festivals as one of the more personable cinematic experiences you'll have this season.