herd bites

Question
My 25 yr. gelding has been in a new herd for 8 mos. and a couple times a week I am still noticing bites on him from other horses.  Is this normal?  When the other horses come near him he moves away but sometimes they bite him anyways (3 in his herd and 6 in a herd over the fence) Yet I see them all standing together sometimes quietly....so is this just normal behavior...will it ever stop?  I don't appreciate finding bite marks (fur is ripped off down to the red skin color and sometimes even dried blood) on my gentle old boy.  He was accustomed to living with one other old horse who was submissive towards him (my horse used to be boss)for many years.
Also, he seems to walk quite gingerly over gravel...we just cross over the gravel road to get to the field. He doesn't wear shoes...seems un-necessary?  Is he just "delicate" or is there a problem with his feet?  I just had a trim few days ago.
Thanks. Lori

Answer
Hi Lori,

What you have described is normal herd behaviour.  You really have two options either: leave him where he is or paddock him alone or with another quiet horse or two.  At his age this pecking order treatment can be very wearying.  As the bites are often becoming quite severe (blood, loss of hair) I suggest you try and find him a paddock with just another quiet pal for him to see the rest of his days out with.

As for the gravel, it sounds like your boy is a little sensitive.  Many horses have problems with gravel and soft hooves.  It shouldn't be a problem, provided he doesn't have to walk or stand on it for too long.

Cheers!