S7E2: How to Use Fodder for Healthier Horses: Insights from Paul Johnson

There’s a question sitting underneath a lot of feed conversations right now…Is there a better way to feed horses when hay is expensive, water is hard to come by, and consistent feeding matters?In the world of horse care, finding a balance between quality feed and cost is a challenge many owners face. If you’re looking for a solution to keep your horses healthy without breaking the bank, then this is for you. In this episode of Thinking Outside The Soil, I sat down with Paul Johnson of Cripple Gray Ranch in Texas, a longtime horseman and polocrosse trainer who has been feeding fodder to performance horses since 2011.About Paul JohnsonPaul Johnson is the owner and operator of Cripple Gray Ranch in McCade, Texas. With years of experience in horse riding and care, Paul has explored various feeding methods to ensure the health and performance of his horses. His journey into fodder began out of necessity, and his insights offer valuable lessons for horse owners everywhere.Why Traditional Horse Feed Can Be Costly and IneffectiveMany horse owners are familiar with the increasing costs of hay and feed. In 2011, Paul faced a severe drought in Texas, making hay scarce and expensive. The quality was often poor, leaving him with limited options to keep his horses nourished. Traditional feeding methods can lead to high costs without guaranteeing the best nutrition for performance horses.The Fodder Solution: Transforming Horse FeedingIn search of alternatives, Paul stumbled upon the concept of fodder feeding. Fodder, which consists of sprouted grains, offers several advantages:* Cost-Effective: Initially spending about $3 per horse per day for traditional feed, Paul discovered that he could reduce this cost to less than $0.50 with fodder.* Nutritional Value: Horses can digest over 70% of fodder, compared to only about 30% of commercial feed, making it a more efficient option for nourishment.* Health Benefits: Fodder is alkaline, helping to prevent issues like ulcers that are common with acidic commercial feeds. Paul noted that his horses showed improved health and performance after switching to fodder.Common Misconceptions About FodderDespite its benefits, there are misconceptions about the nutritional value of fodder. Many equine nutritionists were unaware of how to evaluate fodder effectively at the time Paul began his journey. Most assessments required drying and grinding the plants, which does not accurately reflect the benefits of feeding live fodder.Key Takeaways* Cost Savings: Switching to fodder can significantly reduce feeding costs while improving the nutritional intake of horses.* Health Improvements: Fodder can enhance the overall health of horses, reducing common issues associated with traditional feeding practices.* DIY Approach: Implementing a fodder system may require some initial setup and daily maintenance, so consider a system built for you that saves time.Paul Johnson’s experience highlights the potential of fodder feeding for horse owners seeking a healthier, more cost-effective solution. By transitioning to fodder, you can not only save money but also ensure your horses receive the best nutrition possible.Check out the links below to learn more about how hydroponic fodder helps farmers save water, improve livestock quality, and become better stewards.Take care, and have a lovely day!—Our Substack:Paul’s YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/@pjpxmcd2/videosEleusis Feedhttps://eleusisfeed.comThe Book:⁠thinkingoutsidethesoil.com⁠Thinking Outside The Soil Audiobook:⁠https://amzn.to/3zr4x5S⁠Blooming Health Farms:⁠https://www.bloominghealthfarms.comApple Podcasts:⁠https://is.gd/UG2E5X⁠Spotify:⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RNFxHElKSwjumV3DcA3trInstagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/seany_alfalfaseed⁠TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bloominghealthfarms Get full access to Thinking Outside The Soil at thinkingoutsidethesoil.substack.com/subscribe