The mounted horses unit with the Halifax Regional Police may not be cut from next year's budget, according to Chief Frank Beazley.

Last month, Beazley said the horses and the bike units would be cut, saving $160,000 .

But on Monday, he said at the meeting of the board of police commissioners he has found the money to save both units.

The board gave tentative approval to the department's $74-million budget.

The mounted unit was first established in 1869. There are currently two horses on patrol: Sarge and Cruise. The animals are primarily used to increase police visibility and at events that require crowd control.

Final approval for the budget is expected next month.