The effects of the international recession on the UK-Irish industry is underscored by alarming figures realised by Weatherbys this week.  New mare registrations have declined 25% in Britain and 31% in Ireland.

Weatherbys director Paul Greeves warned that the worst was probably still to come, given that the recession had not bitten when coverings were decided last year.  “It’s the most significant decline in my 30 years’ experience,” Greeves said.

Weatherbys projections indicated the foal crop in Britain could fall from 5,920 last year to 5,650 in 2009, and to 5,200 in 2011.

Ireland’s equivalent may drop even more dramatically, from 12,419 last year to 11,200 in 2009, and to 10,300 in 2011.

Trading figures for the year to the end of May are equally eye-opening.  They show exports from Britain were down by 20%, and from Ireland by 43%, while imports dropped by 16% and 57% respectively over the same period.