After a squabble in the field, horses might "kiss and make up"–at least in their own equine way. But even more often, post-conflict horses are visited by a "peacemaker," probably to preserve the unity of the group, according to a new study by European researchers.

Long-term pasturemates sometimes show reconciliatory behavior after a moment of conflict, and a third pasturemate often will display similar behavior to provide comfort or to encourage reconciliation between the other two horses, said Alessandro Cozzi, PhD, DVM, researcher at the Phérosynthèse Research Institute Semiochemistry and Applied Ethology in Saint Saturnin Les Apt, France, and primary author of the study. Conflict behaviors include kicks, bites, chasing, and threats, while reconciliation is represented by sniffing, grooming, playing, and following each other, he said