New horse bullying Veteran

[friesian80]

Im looking for advice on behalf of someone I know. She has owned her horse for over 20 years and he is now at the grand old age of 38, he is happy with or without company, friend has just bought a 7 yr old gelding, they seemed ok together to begin with but its aparent that the veteran is getting a bit of a hard time now. New horse has bonded with new owner very quickly and perhaps may be jealous that the veteran gets equal attention?
My friend is distraught and of course has the veterans best interests at heart, she is considering splitting the field with electric fencing but this wont be easy as the double stable is in the middle of the very large field.

Any experience or advice welcome.

 

[tasteofchristmaschaos]

Does the new horse just react to the oldie when the owner is around, or also when the owner is out of sight? (Might need some sneaky hiding to know this!)
If it is just when the owner is around it wouldn't worry me but if it was all the time then something might need to be done.

 

[friesian80]

Thats the thing its hard to know what happens when owner isnt around, but there are a few things that suggest the old guy is getting a hard time when humans are out of site.

Its only the 2 of them in a very large field, new horse of course is herd leader veteran will not challenge him at all.

The veteran means everyhting to owner and she is very concerned for his saftey but doesnt want to interfere if its something that might sort itself. They have only been in the field together for around a week.