The San Diego Police Department’s equestrian unit will no longer roam sprawling Balboa Park’s canyons, walkways and streets. The team’s members are being reined in by budget cuts after 15 years of service. The cuts are part of a $12.5 million trimming that includes the Harbor Police, some police automobiles, one-third of the canine unit and eventual layoffs of 84 office workers and investigators, according to assistant police chief Bob Kanaski. Seven horses, trailers, tack and saddles were scheduled to be sold at an online auction that began Feb. 1, and will run through Feb. 10. Viewing of the horses is scheduled for today, Feb. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon. Pickup of horses sold is scheduled for Feb. 16-18 at the stables based in Balboa Park, according to a police press release. “Average age of these horses is between nine and 12 years old,” Kanaski said. “Horses can live from 25 to 35 years, so these are still juveniles. The buyer would get long usage with them. “According to my sergeant, Bret Righthurst, we’ve had about 20 to 30 inquiries concerning the auction. The bidding should be pretty spirited.” Righthurst was once a member of the unit. “We have used the horses at the beach and for crowd control. They’ve done a pretty good job for us but mostly for public relations rather than enforcement,” he said. “Most agencies are cutting the mounted police enforcement units. Boston had one of the longest-running horse units and they’re eliminating that.” Seven officers and one sergeant with the mounted unit will be placed on other duties. The main focus during these changes is to ensure that there are enough officers out on the field, Kanaski said. The police department cutback is part of Mayor Jerry Sanders’ order to close an overall $179 million city budget gap. Sanders formerly served as police chief. The removal of the horse patrol represents a saving of $282,000 when one considers specialty pay, food, the veterinarian, saddles, tack, trailers and cars. As for the Harbor Patrol boats, Kanaski said they belong to the state of California. In addition, 12 dogs have been retired from the canine unit. “That leaves me with 21 full units,” Kanaski said. “Right now I have six sergeants who have dogs.” The cost of an effective police dog service team is expensive. The typical costs include the purchase of the dog, vehicle, handlers’ pay and training, and the daily expenses — food and veterinary care. “We’re doing everything to find a place for them, whether in retirement, to another agency or return to the vendor,” Kanaski said. “They’re not trained to be a regular family dog.” The dismissal of the workers is being negotiated with the Municipal Employees Assn. The Central Division, which also covers downtown San Diego and Logan Heights, will assume law enforcement duties in Balboa Park.