Blanketing a horse is an important part of taking care of them, especially during cold winter months. It can be difficult to know what size blanket to buy for your horse, especially if you have a larger horse. For example, if you have a 15 hand horse, there are a few factors to consider when deciding what size blanket to buy.
Understanding Horse Sizes
Before you can determine what size blanket your 15 hand horse needs, it’s important to understand horse sizes. A “hand” is a unit of measurement used to measure the height of horses. One hand equals four inches, meaning that a 15 hand horse is 60 inches tall at the withers. This is the standard measurement used to determine the size of horse you have.
Factors to Consider
Once you know the size of your horse, there are a few other factors to consider when deciding what size blanket to buy. The first is the breed of your horse. Some horses, such as draft horses, are larger and may require a larger blanket. You also need to consider the length of your horse. A horse that has a longer back may need a longer blanket.
The next factor to consider is the horse’s body shape. If your horse has a broad body, then you may need to buy a blanket that is wider than if your horse was narrower. Additionally, if your horse has a long neck, you may need to buy a blanket with a longer neck cover.
Finally, you need to consider the weather. If you live in a particularly cold climate, you may need to buy a heavier blanket for your horse. Conversely, if you live in a place with milder winters, you may be able to get away with a lighter blanket.
Types of Blankets
Once you have considered all of the factors mentioned above, you can start to look at the different types of blankets available. There are two primary types of blankets: stable and turnout. Stable blankets are intended for use when a horse is in the stable, while turnout blankets are designed for use when the horse is in the pasture.
For your 15 hand horse, you will likely need to buy a blanket that is at least 80 inches in length and 65 inches in width. This should give your horse enough coverage to stay warm in cold weather. However, if you live in a particularly cold climate, you may need to buy a larger blanket.
Conclusion
Knowing what size blanket to buy for your 15 hand horse can be difficult. To make sure your horse stays warm, you need to consider the breed, body shape, weather, and type of blanket. Generally, a blanket that is 80 inches in length and 65 inches in width should be sufficient for a 15 hand horse. However, if you live in a particularly cold climate, you may need to buy a larger blanket.