Photo was taken at Dunloe Castle Hotel, Killarney, Co.Cork (Irl)

These are called Haflinger Austrian Horses and are simply adorable. There is something unique about the appearance of the Haflinger horse. Standing between 13 and 15 hands high, it is tempting to call this horse a “pony”. But given the Haflinger’s heritage of being a tough, strong, hardworking soul in the Tyrolian mountains of Austria, this horse is built for power and hardiness. In its native Austria, the Haflinger is sometimes referred to as a “prince in the front, a peasant behind” due to the size of its muscular hindquarters. The Haflinger has a well-shaped head, sometimes reflecting its remote Arabian ancestor, with a small, almost delicate muzzle, wide dark eyes, a friendly and intelligent expression, set on an elegant neck. His striking chestnut coat can be blonde, or as dark as chocolate brown, and the blonde mane and tail is ideally snow white, quite heavy with the mane often falling double on the neck naturally.
Photo was taken by photographer Jim McSweeney who is from Kanturk in North Cork

Thought on Wednesday – May – 15/05/2013

‘My friend drew our conversation to a close by saying, “When I get to the end of my rope, I find it always grows a little longer.” That’s hope, constant hope, grounded in a superb faith in God’ ~ Joyce Rupp


We can often be short of ideas, inspiration, motivation and not knowing what to do next. It can sometimes feel as if we are paralysed, out of control and we simply don’t know what to do next. It is important to know that we are not on our own. Some are lucky to have support of a partner, friend or family. Others may feel more isolated. Whatever our circumstances we always have the support of God. For thousands of years people have written about this support and the hope it has given them. In Psalm 71 it says “you have constantly been my hope”. This support is still extended to each of us today, keeping us grounded, balanced and heading in the right direction.