The Lexington, Ky., Mounted Patrol unit is preparing for what could be a night of celebrations on the University of Kentucky (UK) campus after the school’s men’s basketball team competes in the NCAA National Championship game tonight (April 2), win or lose.

According to Lexington Mounted Police Officer Lisa Rakes, the city’s four mounted officers and their equine partners–a team of specially trained Percheron/Thoroughbred crosses–will be patrolling the streets tonight, managing crowds and helping control potentially dangerous situations.

"We want to create a presence to prevent anything from getting out of hand," she explained. "Because of our height, we’re able to see into the crowd to spot troublemakers and see problem areas. Most people will comply with the officer based on the sheer presence of the horse.

"Normally when we have to ask a crowd to move back it’s all usually very peaceful," she continued. "Everybody complies. A lot of times we’re not dealing with the alcohol-fueled problem that we had going on Saturday