NUTRITION is vital when preparing yearlings for the sales ring. Good planning, from forage to feed to supplements, is key. The Connolly’s RED MILLS and Foran Equine nutrition team are here to support your sales prep journey, offering expertise on balancing forage, feed and supplements to help maximise your return on investment. They provide a high-quality range of feeds and supplements to meet your youngstock’s needs at every stage.

Supporting joints:

Steady growth is optimal to avoid joint problems, but complications can arise, especially during sales prep. Copper is vital for bone and joint health as it supports lysol-oxidase, an enzyme needed for collagen formation. Adequate copper may help prevent Developmental Orthopaedic Disorders. Foran Equine COPPERVIT supplies bioavailable copper, plus chelated manganese to help chondroitin sulphate synthesis for joint integrity, and vitamin E, an antioxidant to support immunity.

Improving coat condition:

A dull coat can result from copper deficiency and low dietary oil. Coat colour relies on melanin, which needs copper to form. A bleached look or brittle coat may indicate low copper or zinc. For yearlings not on a copper supplement, Foran Equine COPPER-MAX Paste offers a fast-acting boost of copper and zinc. For extra shine, Foran Equine KENTUCKY KARRON OIL provides high-quality Omega-3 oil to feed daily during prep.

Easing stress:

Some horses can become anxious when the environment is busy. A calming supplement can reduce stress while keeping them focused. Foran Equine NUTRI-CALM combines L-tryptophan, B vitamins and magnesium to nourish the nervous system and support serotonin production, the “happy hormone”. It can be given daily or as a one-off syringe on sales day. Test at home to find the best routine for your yearling.

Supporting clear airways:

A snotty nose should always be checked by a vet first. If there’s no infection, it’s often due to the change in environment and stabling during sales prep. Foran Equine AIRVENT supports respiratory health with immune-boosting vitamin C and aromatic oils like eucalyptus to help clear airways and ease breathing.

Building condition and topline:

Yearlings needing condition or struggling with increased workload benefit from extra calories and quality protein. Connolly’s RED MILLS Define & Shine is a high-oil conditioner formulated for weight gain and topline, with an amino acid profile mirroring equine muscle tissue.

Omega-3 oils increase calorie density and support coat and general condition. Introduce gradually and feed 200–400g daily alongside a balanced diet throughout prep.