Overly aggressive new addition to herd

Question
Hi I recently purchased a eight year old Paint Gelding who as soon as he was introduced to my herd he took over top spot in the pecking order, unfortunately it seems that it has gone to his head, he will not leave the other geldings alone, constantly biting and Kicking and he has chased one through the fence twice, (luckily no injuries)yet! He is a great horse very well broke nice to handle under Saddle and Halter,He came from an estate sale so he had not been used for 2 years prior to me purchasing him, but he is now getting used 3-4 times a week, I have only had him about a month now, other than separating him from my herd of 5 geldings and 1 mare is their anything I can do to settle him down? Thank Tou Rob Mather (Cochrane AB)

Answer
Hello Robert,

You are doing the correct thing by keeping him separated from the others.  You may have to continue this, but he needs more work I think.  He needs at least an hour a day for 6 days a week.  Also if you are feeding alfalfa hay, change to grass hay.  If you are graining him, don't.  Make sure he gets his supplements for health and lots of work and discipline and care.

Some horses are just naturally dominant and when they are first introduced to a herd they must show that dominance until it is accepted by all.  It is natural and normal for this to occur, but a nuisance for us people.

Best wishes,
Dorothy