Fighting newcomer advice

[Lissie2]

Hi after reassurance. My gelding is usually low in the pecking order though he has been kept alone but right next to horses for last few years - previous to that he has been in with both mares and geldings. I took the decision to separate him as he is a poor doer and the herd members were eating all his feed and hay.
Anyway, changed yards with no other horses in touching distance so decided to getting him a little miniature companion mare who is VERY laid back and passive. I knew there would be some initial squabbling but he his REALLY going for her - chasing and attacking. He has relaxed a bit compared to earlier but he will charge her and bite if he gets close enough.it’s not a threat - he is trying to attack her. I don’t want him to get stressed and I don’t want her to get injured. Shall I separate them or leave it longer? It’s only been 24 hours. He’s not naturally an aggressive type. Am I being too impatient? How long would you give it? Can take a step back and put a fence between them but ultimately wanted them together as he’s been showing signs of loneliness. Is this high level of aggression normal when introducing two horses? I’ve never seen him like it before. Thanks

 

[JenJ]

I would definitely take a step back and separate them for the time being. Let him get used to her being around without her being a threat, and give her time to get used to you all.

 

[GypsGal1718]

If it has only been 24 hours I may watch closer and wait a bit of it is not dangerous.

 

[YorksG]

If they had never met before, the I would have ensured that there was a fence between them, until they were used to each other

 

[Midlifecrisis]

It took us three or four weeks to successfully introduce a new mare to our others. Newbie was in a paddock within their field so a gentle introduction could be made. I’d never just chuck animals in together ..I’d separate your two so that neither get injured in these early days.

 

[AmyMay]

Did you initially have them in separate fields to get used to each other?

Presumably if you’re feeding hay in the field you’re putting several piles out around the field so there’s no conflict over food?

 

[Lissie2]

Sorry should clarify this is after they’ve had a fence between them within his field. They’ve been side by side for about a week. They’ve been in together about 24hours maybe less .

 

[AmyMay]

Sorry should clarify this is after they’ve had a fence between them within his field. They’ve been side by side for about a week. They’ve been in together about 24hours maybe less .

Is this the same horse that was displaying rig like behaviour a couple of years ago?

 

[meleeka]

Sorry should clarify this is after they’ve had a fence between them within his field. They’ve been side by side for about a week. They’ve been in together about 24hours maybe less .

I think give it longer with a fence between them. What is the mare doing when he attacks? If she’s not being submissive it might take absolutely ages.

 

[Lissie2]

I think give it longer with a fence between them. What is the mare doing when he attacks? If she’s not being submissive it might take absolutely ages.

She isn’t antagonising. She is very submissive

 

[AmyMay]

Are you feeding hay in the field?

 

[Lissie2]

I think give it longer with a fence between them. What is the mare doing when he attacks? If she’s not being submissive it might take absolutely ages.

She isn’t antagonising. She is very submissive x

Are you feeding hay in the field?

he doesn’t eat hay he has no teeth and shows no interest in it but have put some out for her. Lots of piles very far apart. He isn’t resource guarding I don’t think

 

[Lissie2]

I’ve just checked my field camera and he has been leaving her alone for the last few hours but they are at opposites sides of the field which is three acres

 

[Gloi]

Put a fence up in a corner of the field at a height she can run under but he can't so that she has somewhere to get away if she needs to.

 

[Jenko109]

Does he have something else out there to eat in place of the hay that he can't eat?

If the grass is seldom enough that the mare is choosing the hay, then I imagine it must be so very frustrating for him to have piles of hay that he would like to, but cannot eat.

 

[Lissie2]

Does he have something else out there to eat in place of the hay that he can't eat?

If the grass is seldom enough that the mare is choosing the hay, then I imagine it must be so very frustrating for him to have piles of hay that he would like to, but cannot eat.

He’s on a very carefully monitored diet suggested by vet of various mashes etc. He hasn’t been resources guarding those either. He chased her once during night but seems to be avoiding/leaving her alone now