The owner of 22 Thoroughbred horses presumed swept away by flood waters in upstate New York during Hurricane Irene hopes aggressive ground searches will lead to the recovery of his herd.

On Aug. 28, 22 Thoroughbred stallions, mares, and foals belonging to Schorharie County, N.Y. breeder and equestrian photographer Leland Neff went missing when floodwaters connected with Hurricane Irene swelled the Schoharie Creek. The missing herd also includes a Welsh Pony and two Paint horses. Four other horses from the herd made it out of the water safely.

Neff began searching for his animals on horseback as soon as Irene-related storms ceased, however, flooding and washed out road conditions prevented extensive ground searches from getting under way.

"The horses could have been swept 50 miles down river before they could get any footing," Neff said. "There have been some sightings, but none of those horses have turned up as mine