The Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a case of two horses that went missing from a property in the Dolores River Valley.

The horses disappeared on County Road 36 northeast of Dolores more than two months ago, said Sheriff Steve Nowlin. A search of the area was unsuccessful, and possible theft is part of the investigation, he said.

Because the incident is an active case, no further information was available. No arrests have been made.

Theft of livestock is a felony offense, Nowlin said, and is a rare occurrence in the county – maybe one case per year.

The horses are described as a dappled gray thoroughbred named Angus, and a buckskin-colored quarter horse named Saucy.

Saucy is 26 years old, and Angus is 16, said owner Carol Stepe.

She said the horses have lived at the location for most of their lives.

“They were living a beautiful life on the ranch,” Stepe said. “I want my horses back more than anything in the world. I’m hoping somebody will recognize them and contact me or the sheriff.”

She has offered a $1,000 reward for information leading to the location and return of her horses.

Tips can be called in to the Montezuma County Sheriff’s Office at (970) 565-8452, or to Stepe at (970) 749-1900 or carol@rivermountain.com