So, the cops are keeping their horses, eh? Surprise, surprise.

Despite the efforts of my newest best buddy Mal Woodhouse (sadly, I can't see the friendship lasting), other Niagara Regional Police Services board members determined last week that the two-member horse unit was a keeper.

It's good public relations, reasoned the board's deep thinkers.

Plus, the horses help maintain crowd control.

You know, for when lineups outside unemployment offices in Niagara get too long.

Board strongman Larry Iggulden also noted the amount of money needed to run the unit ($40,000) is small and has little impact on the budget.

Well, duh, we already knew that.

Point was, getting rid of this ridiculous bauble might have shown, however minutely, that police brass aren't totally oblivious or insensitive to the belt-tightening most people are forced to endure these days.

But, really, who was I trying to kid earlier this fall when I urged the police board to say happy trails to Mr. Ed and Trigger?

Indeed, chances are considerably greater that the mounted unit will eventually grow in size rather than be eliminated.

Who knows, perhaps in time the NRP could offer a choreographed event that rivals the RCMP's musical ride.

A one and a two, cha cha cha!

Truth be told, though, maybe the cops are on to something here.

I mean, everyone loves horses, right?

Perhaps other organizations looking to enhance their standing in the community should use them as a PR tool, too.

Take, for instance, the Niagara Parks Commission board.

Those guys have done some great work over the years, keeping the Canadian side of the Niagara River green while at the same time demonstrating entrepreneurial spirit through the launching of several money-making ventures.

Yet what do they get for their efforts? A government-commissioned auditor's report that trashes their system of governance and accuses them of acting in aloof fashion.

Egads, auditing firm KPMG reported "many employees treat commissioners as if they are royalty."

Wow, talk about your image problems.

I say bring in some horses. They could march in the Festival of Lights parade, offer a natural alternative to the People Mover system, ride the Spanish Aero Car and pull the commissioners' royal carriages.

Their reputations will rise in no time.

And how about St. Catharines city councillors?

They're always getting a bad rap.

Taxes go up, services go down; decisions are made, decisions get unmade; a tower project is good, a tower project is bad.

And what is council's answer to these public relations woes?

Creating a $190,000 communications department.

Hey, for $40,000 it could have hired a couple of horses.

The animals could replace a couple of their wooden

brethren on the Port Dalhousie Carousel, caddy at the municipal golf course ("Should I go with my six iron?"

"Nayyy!")and take turns serving as the sergeant at-arms at council meetings.

Plus, they could help control the crowds of irate residents that are apparently descending on city hall to harass staff and councillors.

I believe this is what is called a win-win situation.

Then there's Niagara Region.

It's celebrating 40 years of existence next year and still can't get any love from residents.

This, despite all sorts of communication initiatives over the years as well as other sincere efforts to reach out to the Niagara community.

Bring on the horses.

The Region could use them to ... or maybe they might work as ... then again the horses could always ... ah, forget it.

Sorry, Region, it's hopeless.

dherod