The Mounted Unit was established in 1984. It is a full time unit and is used to patrol areas of the county, as well as for numerous special events. During the peak winter holiday shopping season, the unit is used extensively to patrol shopping centers, which historically have a seasonal increase in traffic and crime. The Mounted Unit is allocated (1) sergeant, (1) corporal, (4) deputies, and (2) stable managers. All of the mounted deputies are certified instructors.The unit also depends on many volunteers to assist in exercising the eight horses owned by Orange County Sheriff's Office. The current staff has worked hard to continue meeting the needs of the agency, attending numerous public events and participating in a variety of patrol action plans in addition to their high visibility patrols such as the county parks, tourist areas and a variety of shopping centers.