As we step into 2026, the horse world enters one of its most exciting and significant periods of the year. From a breeding and performance perspective, January marks a pivotal transition point for young horses across the Northern Hemisphere.

On 1 January, all Northern Hemisphere foals officially turn a year older. Foals become yearlings and with that change comes an increased focus on structured development, long-term soundness and preparing youngstock for the next stages of their future careers.

At the same time, the coming months of 2026 will welcome an entirely new generation of foals. For breeders, owners and producers, this overlap of yearlings progressing and foals being born highlights just how critical early-life nutrition truly is.

Why Early Development Matters

Bone, muscle and skeletal development during the foal and yearling stages sets the foundation for lifelong durability and performance. Growth during this period is rapid and nutritional shortfalls - particularly in mineral balance and bioavailability can have long-lasting consequences.

Optimising skeletal development is not about accelerating growth, but about supporting correct, controlled development. This ensures young stock are better equipped to withstand the physical demands of training, racing and competition later in life.

Supporting Young stock with AlgalSorb

AlgalSorb has been formulated to support foals and yearlings during these critical growth phases by improving mineral utilisation and skeletal development.

Key benefits include:

✓ Optimised bone mineralisation in young stock
✓ Enhances calcium uptake and fixation, supporting strong, correctly formed bones
✓ Increased bioavailability of essential minerals, ensuring nutrients are effectively absorbed and utilised
✓ Supports bone and muscle development, helping young horses develop strength without undue stress on the skeletal system
✓ Enhances coat condition, often an early visible indicator of nutritional balance and overall health

By focusing on bioavailable mineral support, AlgalSorb helps bridge the gap between dietary intake and true nutritional utilisation - an essential consideration in young, developing horses.

Investing in the Future

The transition from foal to yearling and the arrival of a new foal crop, is an ideal time to reassess nutritional strategies. Doing the very best for young stock at this stage is not just about the present - it is an investment in soundness, resilience and future performance.

As 2026 unfolds, supporting young horses with targeted, science-led nutrition gives them the best possible start, helping them develop into strong, healthy athletes capable of meeting the demands of their chosen discipline.

Early care shapes future success - and it starts now.