Horse owners along the East Coast are bracing for a superstorm that the National Weather Service expects to deliver high winds, heavy rains, and storm surge flooding to states from Maryland to New York and beyond.

Hurricane Sandy began its march up the eastern United States on Sunday, Oct. 28, when the storm brushed the Delaware coast with high winds, rain, and flood waters. On Oct. 29, The National Weather Service National Hurricane Center advised that the Category 1 storm gained strength as it tracked up the Eastern seaboard before making landfall on Oct. 29 along or just south of the New Jersey coast.

On Oct. 28, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie advised residents of storm-affected areas to evacuate themselves and their animals well in advance of the hurricane’s arrival. On Oct. 29, New Jersey Department of Agriculture spokeswoman Lynne Richmond said horse owners in that state were taking the Governor’s advice to heart.

"People remember what happened with Hurricane Irene and even what happened in New Orleans with Katrina, they want to be out of harm’s way, so they’re taking this very, very seriously," Richmond said. "Right now we’re working with our veterinarians in the field to see how many horses have been evacuated and where they’ve been taken