WEST CHESTER, Ohio -- A Cincinnati suburb's police horse patrol unit is dismounting and disbanding.

After more than six years of strutting through West Chester Township, the four-horse, four-rider team is a victim of cost-cutting moves by new Chief Erik Niehaus. He's making staffing shifts that could save about $335,000.

Niehaus said it was a difficult decision, but he needed to stretch police staffing during tough economic times.

A citizens group has been formed to urge township trustees to halt the move planned for March, saying that the popular patrol serves as an important link to the community in addition to helping prevent crime.

Many police agencies, including Cincinnati city police and the Butler County sheriff's office, use mounted patrols.