ELKO, Nev. -- Forlorn horse owners Larry and Linda Thompson continue to seek tips on the whereabouts of their miniature horse, Streaker, who was stolen from their ranch near Deeth.

Streaker was stolen between Nov. 30 and Dec. 1.

Linda Thompson said she kept the 3-foot tall black colt in a corral near her home with three other miniature horses. She had trained the 7-month-old horse to be so gentle, "you could pick him up," which may have made him an easy target for a cattle rustler, Thompson said.

"He was going to be our little stud," she said. "We just want him back. I don't know why someone would want something like that."

The horse is valued at about $2,500. Thompson said she is worried that the horse was sold or given to someone as a Christmas present.

"I just didn't know that horse rustling was still out there in Nevada," Thompson said. "He was my little buddy. I want him back. How safe is anybody if people can just drive up to your yard and take things?"

The Thompsons are offering a $500 reward for information leading to Streaker's rescue. Tips should be directed to the Thompsons at (775) 750-1633. Tips also can be given to the Nevada Department of Agriculture, Division of Livestock Identification, (775) 738-8076.

"A horse thief is a horse thief, and that is pretty low down," she said.

Missing horse What: Streaker, a 3-foot-tall miniature black colt Identifying marks: Streaker has no brand, tattoos or other marks. He is coal black and has a very thick winter coat. Where: Stolen near Deeth, Nev. When: Missing since Dec. 1 What to do: Direct tips to the owners, Larry and Linda Thompson, (775) 750-1633; or the Nevada Department of Agriculture, Division of Livestock Identification, (775) 738-8076.