CUSTER, Wash. -- A valuable show jumping stallion was stolen from his stall in this northwest Washington community, and his trainer is sure whoever stole him knew exactly how to beat the security at the farm in order to get to the prized horse.

The 12-year-old black Holsteiner, named Capone I, was reported missing from the Exitpoint Stallions farm.

"I walked in, the stall was open, the halter and lead were missing and (there was) no horse in the stall," said Doug Spink, Capone I's manager and trainer.

The farm's front gate was found unlatched Friday afternoon during a two-hour window during which time no one was watching the barn, said Spink.

Three other stallions and three protection dogs were still in the barn. The dogs who are trained to attack stood guard in the neighboring stall, which makes Spink suspect that the act wasn't a random theft.

"It really does look like somebody who knew an awful lot about this horse," he said.

Capone I is a multi-million dollar jumping stallion in the prime of his competitive career. He top placements in many of North America's competitive show jumping classes and has amassed career winnings of more than $250,000, Spink said.

Spink said the motive of the crime puzzles him. Capone is one of the most famous Holsteiners in the world, which makes it very difficult for the thief to risk competing or breeding the stolen stallion.

Spink speculated the horse was taken to be held for ransom, since his level of fame would make it almost impossible to use him in shows or in breeding. No ransom note had been received.

Whatcom County detectives said they've developed several strong leads, including some in Canada.

"We don't have that on record that he crossed the border, so we don't know that," said Spink.

Spink has been Capone's trainer and manger for nine years beginning with his Capone's first jump.

"He's more than just a horse or an asset. I have a great deal of respect for him and care a great deal," he said.

Spink sleeps 20 yards from Capone's stall. There are still other horses occupying the barn, but Spink said Capone's absence has left behind an eerie silence .

"No matter how logical I try to be, (telling myself) that I can't always protect him, I feel like emotionally I let him down," he said.

Spink said Capone's owner didn't insure the stallion because it was too costly. A horse of his caliber can fetch from $5 million to $10 million.

The horse has white "socks" markings on three legs and a long, thin white blaze on his forehead. He also has a brand on his left flank that includes the Holsteiner Verband "H" logo and his registration number.

Exitpoint Stallions, an investor syndicate, has owned Capone I since 1999.