POLICE have warned plans to scrap Humberside's mounted section and merge it with three other forces could compromise public order policing.
The proposals to create one mounted section for Humberside, South Yorkshire and West Yorkshire would mean fewer officers and horses in the region.
The Police Federation, which represents rank-and-file officers, said it would be a "sad day" if the force lost its mounted section.
Chair Steve Garmston said: "Our ability to access that resource will be compromised.
"They can only be in one place at a time and there is a danger they could be spread so thinly that they become completely ineffective."
The eight horses, which are kept in Walkington, are used to police football matches and protests.
Chief Constable Tim Hollis said: "We are still looking at the options and we know that is unsettling for the mounted officers.
"Budgets are reducing and we have to look at what is the most cost-effective way of delivering the core elements of what the public expects.
"One of the options we are looking at is the regional one.
"There is already a lot of joint work between the forces and we have to look long and hard at the value of having a mounted section locally."
Mr Hollis will work with Humberside police and crime commissioner Matthew Grove to decide whether to support the merger.
Chief Inspector Jim Haylett, of South Yorkshire Police, is drawing up the business plan. The proposal will be presented to a regional collaboration board for a final decision early next year.
He said: "Most mounted deployment is pre-planned operations – spontaneous deployment is very rare. We feel confident we can reduce the number of officers without impacting on response to public order demand."
