Minimizing training overhead in channel estimation is a crucial challenge in wireless communication systems. This paper presents an extension of the traditional blind algorithm, called "Mutually referenced equalizers" (MRE), specifically designed for MIMO systems. Additionally, we propose a novel semi-blind method, SB-MRE, which combines the benefits of pilot-based and MRE approaches to achieve enhanced performance while utilizing a reduced number of pilot symbols. Moreover, the SB-MRE algorithm helps to minimize complexity and training overhead and to remove the ambiguities inherent to blind processing. The simulation results demonstrated that SB-MRE outperforms other linear algorithms, i.e., MMSE, ZF, and MRE, in terms of training overhead symbols and complexity, thereby offering a promising solution to address the challenge of minimizing training overhead in channel estimation for wireless communication systems.