Team Fredericks says it has seen "great changes" in its horses since switching to a new feeding system.

Clayton and Lucinda Fredericks, based near Devizes, Wiltshire, have been using Fodder Solutions – a fresh feed diet – for several months.

Clayton first saw the system in his native Australia. Now manufactured in the UK, Fodder Solutions Feeding Systems provides a daily supply of fresh feed.

Clayton and Lucinda have been using the feed on some of their top performers for several months, and have seen great changes since switching them on to the fodder.

"I am very impressed with the way the horses are on the fodder solutions feed, particularly in their temperament," said Clayton.

Barley seed is placed in special trays inside the system. Over a period of six days, the seed is irrigated and temperature-controlled and sprouts into an 8kg "mat" of fresh green feed.

"They are working really well, and they are galloping with plenty of energy, but without all the fight at the beginning," added Clayton.

"I wanted something that was cost-effective and this seemed to make a lot of sense. Initially, it was the cost benefit that attracted me, and even if it was not for the top horses, I felt that it still made sense as the basis for feeding the yard," said Clayton.

The growing process takes six days and the system provides a consistent, daily supply of fresh feed. "I have generally found the horses are a lot stronger and more supple but in a relaxed way. I like the fact I can increase quite significantly the amount of protein in their diet to build muscle without the risk of tying up. On the day after they have galloped, they come out soft and supple.

"The mares can get very stressy, but they have been much more settled. One of the mares is not the easiest in the world, but it has worked well – her muscle development is very good, she is relaxed, lean and fit.

"I have also been feeding it to my Olympic hopefuls and the benefits are huge, not just the cost savings but also it is better for their digestion, their coats are doing really well and there is plenty of flexibility of altering the seed mix for more protein," explained Clayton.

Clayton's vet, Clive Hamblin, was also enthusiastic: "The horses are in great condition, both physically and mentally, with no dietary or enteric problems in training. Two horses that have been very prone to tying up issues in the past have done exceptionally well on this feed."

Clayton said: "The feed is very palatable – it is a bit different to eat and to begin with, they did not seem quite sure about eating the whole mat, but once they know how to eat it, they just chuff in. If you walk down the stables carrying a mat, they all want it.

Fodder Solutions systems are equally suited to small and large yards, with a range of sizes providing a cost efficient and time saving feed solution. The smallest Fodder Solutions systems produce 25kg of feed per day and are ideal for small and private yards, larger units are available capable of producing up to 500kg per day and bespoke systems can be manufactured to any size.

Liam McGreevy, Fodder Solutions sales manager, said: "We currently have several systems of various sizes feeding horses in UK and Irish yards, from racing and carriage horses to happy hackers. The feed is proving itself to be cost-effective and very beneficial to horses, which is shown in their condition and performance.

"Our customers have reported excellent coat condition, superb hoof growth and strength, excellent energy levels without fizziness, fast recovery levels, good weight maintenance and improved general health as well as a reduction in feed costs."

Feeding the fodder is easy. The mat is pulled from the system and taken to the stables. There the mat is put in the feeders and the horses happily get stuck in, eating the whole mat with no waste. For those in competition, additional seeds can be sprouted, including sunflower and lupin, these seeds are sprinkled on top of the barley seeds and provide higher levels of protein, oil and starch required for the work that top competition horses are required to perform.