colt and new mare

Question
We have a seven year old mare with a 2 month old colt. we also just bought  a 3 year old mare a couple of weeks ago. They are in seperate pastures and stalled across from each other . The three year old stands and stares at mom and baby but will nip at both when on the fence line together . Is it safe to put them out in the pasture together? I don't wan't the little colt do get hurt thats my fear.

Answer
Mom will protect the baby and will be good for all of them to be together.  The nipping is normal horse behavior, it could be playful or could be annoyance or could be trying to establish dominance.  The older mare will teach the 3 year old manners.  There is always a chance that a accident will happen and one of the horses could be hurt.  If you want you can lead the 3 yr old in and let them sniff and let mom push him or pin her ears, stomp or squeal at him, if he moves away and tried to run, then you know he sill be fine.  Then let him go.  If is better if you stay with them for hour or so in case they get trapped in a corner, but try and stay in middle of and let them work it out.  Mom will probably get upset, run baby around and keep baby away from new guy, but all that is normally until she determine that the new guy is no threat and that he respects her as dominant horse.

Mom will like it after a few days so the baby will have someone to play with and stop buggin her.  :)