MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – NEW INFORMATION: 352today has learned more about the new Mounted Unit coming to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).

MCSO says there are six deputies and four horses on the unit; along with two civilian employees who work with the horses. An additional sworn deputy is on the unit but will not be riding at the moment.

MCSO says training and forming the unit began in January of this year. Deputies have trained in Ohio with the horses’ original trainer, as well as locally at the World Equestrian Center (WEC). At the WEC, MCSO says deputies received Certified Mounted Patrol training.

Lt. Mike Joyner is the commander for the unit. According to MCSO’s website, “When using our horses for crowd control or special events, they act as a tower of law enforcement visibility for the safety and security of those in attendance.”

While the unit has already started patrolling, one of places you will notice them out in full force is the upcoming Southwest Halloween Party in October.

MCSO says they have never had a Mounted Unit, which is comprised of all sworn law-enforcement officers. However, MCSO Public Information Officer Zachary Moore says, “We have had Mounted Posses in the past, which were strictly volunteers.”

In case you were wondering… the horses are named Chip, Waylon, Sky, and Blue.

ORIGINAL: YEEHAW! The Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is adding a Mounted unit to its force.

MCSO posted a 39 second teaser video to its Facebook page on Wednesday. It features artfully composed shots of boots, stirrups, spurs and a horse with breastcollar emblazoned with a shiny MCSO badge set to an acoustic guitar riff.

MCSO says the new Mounted Unit is working to complete training and will introduce them once they are ready.

In Florida’s horse country, perhaps it’s no surprise that news of the mounted patrol is garnering enthusiastic response on social media. As of 6 a.m. Thursday, the MCSO Facebook post had received 114 comments, 106 shares and more than a thousand reactions.

The majority of the comments were in support of the unit. Some even making references to iconic movie and television law enforcers on horseback like Clint Eastwood in Hang ‘Em High and Chuck Norris in Walker, Texas Ranger.

The video ends with text inviting the viewer to “stay tuned.”

Cue the spaghetti western music.