ONE HUNDRED campaigners - including several on horseback - protested against plans to axe Humberside Police's mounted section.
The force is due to close the unit at Walkington in July to save £500,000.
However David Reily, who lives next to the site, says of the half a million, £400,000 of that is spent on wages.
The police have previously said staff will not lose their jobs and will instead be moved to other roles.
He said: "If the staff working in the mounted section are being moved to other roles in the force then there is only a saving of £100,000.
"The police say they will then hire in horses from other forces when they are needed. According to Matthew Grove (Humberside police and crime commissioner) this would cost £1,500 for one rider and one horse per day.
"Would we end up saving any money?"
Former Chief Constable Tim Hollis decided to axe the unit, which currently comprises five horses and police officers, as the force battles to cut £11m from its budget over five years.
Campaigners, who have gathered more than 2,000 signatures on a petition, marched from Beverley Racecourse into Saturday Market yesterday.
Mike and Marie Dickenson, who run Trophy Pet Food horse riding and rural supplies shop, behind the police stables, have become the focus of the campaign.
The shop does not sell to the police but customers, many of them horse-lovers, asked about starting a petition.
Mr Dickenson said: "I am disgusted by the police's plans.
"The mounted section is very much needed. Only last week they were used to search for a missing man and to police a march in Hull city centre.
"I think the police have been surprised by the strength of feeling against their plans. We have even had off-duty police officers joining in the march today."
Campaigners came with banners as they marched through Beverley.
Amanda Beal, 44, from the town, was holding a banner which read "Don't be reliant on other forces - use your heads and keep our horses".
"I was quite shocked and disappointed when they said they were getting rid of the mounted section," she said.
"If we get rid of the mounted section we will have to rely on other forces. What happens if they have no free horses?"
Redd Boyce, 12, of Sutton, was marching with his mother Lisa.
He said: "The police horses are needed.
"With Hull City promoted, there will be more people coming to the games.
"If we do get rid of them then how much will it cost the police force to bring them in?"
Valerie Reily said: "Police on horses are a deterrent for big groups, yet can also make the police more approachable.
"People like to come up to the horses, maybe stroke them and speak to the officers."
Have you seen our new homepage?Bookmark hulldailymail.co.uk for the very best and exclusive local content.