foal with gelding

Question
I want to use my gelding when I sean my colt foal and thought to introcuce the mare and foal to him on a controlled basis - over the wall (three days) then with him in the paddock when he was hungry so that he would prefer food to fighting.  I was taken aback when the gelding tried to kill the colt. he has never been aggressive like that before although he has played and been with a number of ponies of varied ages before Is this unusual and can I use him when the colt is bigger.fortunately I have plenty of space to keep the mare in with her foal.

Answer
Dear Ruth:
I would suggest giving your gelding more time in paddocks side by side so they can learn to socialize over the fence for at least several weeks. You do not say how old the foal is but you might want to wait until he is older before you introduce him to the gelding in the same turnout.
You also don't say how long you have had the gelding or if he is social with other horses in groups. While it may seem idyllic to have company for your weanling- you don't want him to be injured. He may need to go it alone or perhaps you can send him out to (or bring in) another horse who is foal-wise.
Go cautiously.
S. Evans