Introducing New Horse To Herd

I'm having a tough time introducing a yearling stallion to my present herd of 3 horses (2 mares/1 gelding). I kept the new youngster confined in an adjacent paddock for a week and monitored the "cross-fence" visiting between he and the others. There was the expected nipping, ear-pinning and squealing for a few days but it settled down to indifference by the 4th or 5th day. However, when I turned the yearling into a large pasture with the herd yesterday, my 9 yr old App mare and her 2 yr old filly chased the little guy until he ran into the pond! Thank God I was watching and went to his aid or I fear he would have drowned from exhaustion. I expected some biting, fussing and a little chasing, but not this!!!!!

After that, I put the new horse back in his original paddock but put the more settled gelding in with him. No serious problems, the older horse would posture a bit if the yearling got too close but nothing unusual. However, after what I saw from this older mare (I think the 2 yr old filly was just joining in because she saw her Mom doing it), I'm wondering if I'm going to be able to let them all into one pasture or not? A friend suggested putting the older mare into a round pen and working her for a bit, then add the yearling and work them aggressively together. His theory was that giving them a "common" problem to handle (me) would help them bond and take the mare's mind off chasing the new yearling.

I really need to get them all in the same pasture as soon as I can for grazing rotation purposes. And, it's crossed my mind that I might have to find the new horse another home but I'd rather exhaust every effort before I take that step.

Any suggestions??

You say yearling stallion... is he being turned out to pasture breed the mares?

No, he's not physically developed enough for breeding. In fact, gelding is in his future but is not an option at the moment.

Believe me, it crossed my mind that, even though his testicles are not even visible yet, the fact that he is a stallion could be a big contributor to the problem. But, I certainly hope I don't have to quarantine him until he's ready for gelding!

Yearlings can serve mares. I wouldn't risk it personally, even if he hasn't dropped yet. You might not notice it as soon as he does, or in time to stop him from having his way with one of the mares.

So...reading between the lines in your reply, your thoughts are selling the yearling or sequestering him until such time as he develops enough to be gelded??

Not sell him, I don't think it will be long until he drops to be honest. But I definitely would not turn him out with the mares.

ITA with Cherie - skip worrying about introductions until the stallion is no longer a stallion.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts.