Four Oxford police officers will be going to Alabama in February to learn how to do police work on horseback.

The equestrian unit from Waveland was in Oxford last year, to help with security during the 2008 Presidential Debate at the University of Mississippi.

Oxford Police Chief Mike Martin says mounted patrols can help with rowdy crowds, such as those at festivals or at closing time in the closely packed area where many bars are located.

He says the officers attending the mounted police school given by the Mobile, Ala., police all own their own horses, and several rode them in Oxford’s Christmas parade.

Martin says the last part of the equestrian policing school will be for the four students to help control Mardi Gras crowds.