Eugene
- Name: Flynn Rider
- Barn Name: Eugene
- Breed: Miniature Horse
- Registered: No
- Foaled: Supposedly born in 2020
- Color: Bay Tobiano
- Sire: Unknown
- Dam: Unknown
- Lineage: We do not know any of Eugene’s lineage
Eugene is the lively spirit that brings energy and charm to our homestead, a mini stallion with a big personality. Though small in stature, Eugene carries himself with the grace, confidence, and boldness of a horse much larger than his size. With his unique blend of spirited energy and endearing personality, he quickly becomes the center of attention wherever he goes.
Eugene is far more than just a mini stallion – he’s a true character, bringing life, joy, and a touch of humor to our homestead. From his proud stance to his curious nature, Eugene is a reminder that size doesn’t determine the strength of one’s spirit. His remarkable personality and unwavering confidence make him a cherished member of our family, and we’re thrilled to share his charm with all who encounter him.
Our journey with Eugene began at the same auction where we discovered Rapunzel, another beloved member of our growing mini herd. At the time, we were simply looking for a new mini mare to complement our existing pair, Winnie and Daisy. With space for one more, we thought adding a third mare would complete our little herd.
However, as anyone who has worked with horses knows, things don’t always go according to plan. And in this case, that turned out to be a stroke of luck. Eugene’s unexpected presence at the auction quickly captured our attention, and it didn’t take long for us to realize that he was exactly the addition we never knew we needed.
In the midst of the auction’s hustle, Eugene’s striking presence was impossible to miss. It wasn’t just his bold coloring, but the confidence with which he carried himself—he seemed to know exactly who he was and was waiting for us to notice. What was meant to be a simple expansion of our herd turned into something far more exciting. In an instant, both Eugene and Rapunzel joined our family, doubling the size of our mini herd and marking the start of a new chapter for us.
If you’re curious about Eugene’s name, it was no accident! He is named after Eugene Fitzherbert—better known as Flynn Rider from Disney’s Tangled. And while his good looks certainly played a part (because let’s be honest, he’s quite the handsome fellow), it’s really his personality that earned him the name. From the moment we met him, Eugene displayed that same sly charm, playful mischief, and surprising tenderness that made Flynn Rider so unforgettable. On the ride home, Jr. looked at his expressive little face and rebellious spark and said, “He’s definitely a Eugene.” And just like that, the name stuck—and has suited him perfectly ever since!
Eugene is the kind of stallion that leaves a lasting impression. Most days, he’s the picture of easy-going sweetness—gentle, affectionate, and always curious about what the humans are up to. He’s known to nuzzle pockets in search of treats and will happily trail behind you in the pasture like a loyal little shadow. But don’t be fooled—he’s still a stallion, and when a new lady joins the scene, Eugene is quick to flip the switch. He’ll puff himself up, prances like he’s on stage, and tosses his thick mane dramatically, as if he’s auditioning for the lead in a horsey romance.
Speaking of that mane—it’s become something of a legend around here. Eugene sports a wild, windswept hairdo that’s always just a little over-the-top (and completely perfect). His thick, unruly bangs often fall right over his eyes, giving him a rockstar look that makes everyone smile. It’s not uncommon to see visitors push his forelock aside just to get a peek at his face—and when they do, they’re greeted by a beautifully shaped head and the softest, most soulful brown eyes you’ve ever seen.
He’s also a stunning bay pinto, specifically a Tobiano, with a rich, eye-catching coat that glows in the sunlight. His markings are bold and unique, just like his spirit, and he carries himself with a quiet pride that’s impossible to miss. He may not strut in the show ring (yet), but he’s got the confirmation and presence of a champion. Still, for us, Eugene’s true worth lies in the joy and character he brings to our homestead every single day.
Eugene is entering an exciting new chapter of his journey. We are thrilled to announce that his first foals will be arriving here at the homestead in 2025! We can’t wait to witness the magic they inherit from their spirited sire and to watch them grow into the remarkable little ones we know they’ll be.
If you’d like to be part of this special journey, we’d love for you to follow along. Be sure to check out our YouTube channel, Homestead Horsemanship, for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses of the foals’ arrival. You can also support us on Patreon, where we’ll be sharing early peeks and exclusive content throughout this exciting time.
Eugene may be small, but his heart is huge—and it’s only getting bigger as he steps into this new role. We can’t wait to share the next part of his story with you.