WHILE the Irish foal crop has reduced dramatically in recent years, down 36% from the peak in 2007, the last two years have seen a small but steady growth. The 2013 increase in numbers by 2.8% was bettered in 2014 when a growth rate of 3% was recorded, according to figures released this week by Weatherbys Ireland. The British foal crop fell by 2% in the last year and is down 27% from its peak in 2008.