From Seed to Stable: How Cherokee Park Ranch Grows Fresh Barley Fodder

Fresh green fodder even when the pasture is resting

How can a ranch offer horses fresh green fodder when winter has put the pasture to sleep? Cherokee Park Ranch in Colorado shares its indoor barley-fodder system. The video follows the process from growing trays to the feeding wagon and the herd gathering for a fresh serving.

What you will see in the video

The ranch describes growing barley in trays under managed temperature, humidity and watering conditions. During a short growing cycle, the grain produces green shoots joined by a dense root mat. Trays ready for harvest move out of the growing system and into the feeding routine; the space is then cleaned and prepared for the next cycle. By staggering the trays, the ranch can harvest regularly rather than relying only on the outdoor growing season.

The scale is one of the most striking details. The ranch explains how it uses the system for a larger herd and incorporates fresh fodder into its daily routine. Feeding time is also an experience for visitors: the video shows horses coming towards the wagon and showing interest in the fodder being offered.

What can horse owners take from this?

The story is about more than equipment. Fresh fodder production calls for regular organisation: a harvest schedule, clean trays, suitable growing conditions and careful handling of the finished mat. For a smaller stable, the video offers a useful way to consider whether a similar supplement could fit its own routine.

The ranch describes positive experiences, including horses readily accepting the fodder. That is one operation’s experience, not a guarantee that every horse will respond the same way. Acceptance, body condition and digestion should always be observed in the individual animal.

Fresh fodder as part of thoughtful feeding

Hydroponically grown barley mats can add a fresh green element and a different texture to a feeding routine. They should still fit into a balanced ration and should not replace hay, suitable forage or clean drinking water without professional assessment. Each horse has individual needs shaped by age, workload, body condition and health.

Watch the original video: Growing Fodder At Cherokee Park Ranch. The ranch also shares more about its setup on the Cherokee Park Ranch website.

If you are considering trying fresh barley fodder, start with a small portion, introduce it gradually and record how your horse responds. Our horse Feeding Guide and Fodder for Other Animals page offer further practical context.