On the eve of St. Patrick’s Day I share with you some of my favourite images from our visit last spring to the Irish National Stud in Co. Kildare.

Horses are an important part of Irish culture. I’m thinking, perhaps, it’s my Irish ancestry that’s partly responsible for my passion for these beautiful animals.

Spring is foaling season and as we wandered the grounds of this iconic Thoroughbred breeding establishment we were fortunate to see many babies. The foals in these images were just a few days old.

New life is full of hope and many questions.

Will this young horse be a great racing champion?

Will he be a great stud?

Will he stay in Ireland or go abroad?

Will he find a career in something other than horse racing? A show jumper, perhaps?

In the meantime, he is nurtured by mother and handlers to find his potential while he rests in the sun as a welcome sign of spring.

Happy prelude to St. Patrick’s Day …

Copyright Aimwell Enterprises 2012