Squabbling in the field

[poiuytrewq]

Two weeks ago we got a new horse. He was kept alone but had apparently been with others previously and there was no problem.
We already had my horse who was in charge and a Shetland companion who has always been playful/slightly bullyish- was gelded late and acts colty sometimes with other horses. Our two were very settled together though.
So I split a paddock in half with electric tape and but current two one side and new boy the other for a few days then introduced them properly- in a bigger field.
After the initial excitement all died down and was calm for a week. It seemed my horse was in charge then new one then Shetland (which surprised us)....until Saturday morning when although they were ok both my horse and the new one were plastered in bites and nicks and this is how its been since. They are fighting, mostly front end and its playful, not nasty ears back but quite damaging- drawing blood and they both look like they've been battered!
Once I saw new one turn his arse on my horse but like I say mostly its teeth.
Mine is arthritic and I don't like him to be hassled but to be honest he seems to be instigating it himself a lot of the time!
They also groom and graze together but its seeming more and more fighting rather than the nice bits! Shetland keeps out of the way having very obviously been put in his place so he's not involved.
I really want them to be able to live together but at the same time I need my horse to be safe and relaxed in his field so he can chill if he's sore not be chased round being bitten.
I appreciate its still early days but how long would you let this go on for?

 

[Honey08]

I had two geldings that would play fight and bite all the time. I popped grazing muzzles on them for a few weeks. Once they could only poke each other and not bite each other they got bored and settled down. It also means they are slightly hungrier and spend more time getting food and therefore have less interest in playing/fighting.

 

[MerrySherryRider]

It does sound like excitement, the kind of rough play that boys find entertaining. I've seen my gelding be the same when turned out with a new group of lads. He normally keeps a low profile so its a surprise when I've seen him doing mock stallion playfighting. It's always settled down after a while though, but in the meantime, seeing missing chunks and the odd hoof shaped imprint is alarming.

How much grass do you have ATM ? Our grass is good but it is less rich than it was, so our normally settled herds are whizzing around a bit more than usual.

I hope things settle down soon for you, it's a worry when the possibility of injury rears its head.