KJR's Lillians Lucky Lilly Bug

Wow! That is a long name. Around the farm this little creature is known as Bug. She may be tiny at 33" tall but she does not know her size. Bug is a force of nature, a personality like no other and will put a smile on your face at all times. 

Bug was born in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania on March 19th mid-morning. At the time Bug did not own me yet. However, I was a visitor that day at the breeding farm. She was born 10 minutes before my arrival. I knew it was a special day when I had the opportunity to hold this peanut.

Bug came to live at Falcon View Farm when she was 10 months old. It was a bittersweet moment. I just lost my horse, Lily. A dear friend of mine bought Bug at 6 months old from the breeder. My friend was calling Bug by the name Lilly. My friend received Bug's registration papers in the mail the day I lost my Lily. My dear friend felt it was meant to be. She gifted Bug to me in hopes her Lilly could fill the hole in my heart that my Lily left. 

Bug holds a very special place in my heart. She is truly a gift from above. She has held me together through the toughest times and shared in the joy of the greatest times. 

Bug will be 8 years old in a few short weeks from when I am writing this. It has been a wonderful journey. Some will say that I did a wonderful job training her but in reality, she is the one who has trained me. She has taught me without a doubt that anything is possible no matter your size, shape or abilities. Heart is the only thing that is of most importance. Bug has the biggest heart. She opens it wide and gives it all to you. 

My goal with Bug has always been to have her drive. I wanted to set her up for success. As a yearling, I brought her to many shows. She got the experience of traveling in a trailer, being around new people and horses. Good thing she was little because rearing in a halter class because she didn't feel standing still wasn't very scary but hilarious. We attended clinics which not only taught us tricks (yes, Bug sits, bows and lays down) but it taught us about staying away from home. 

It wasn't until Bug was 3 years old that I hooked her in a cart for the first time. I'm still amazed how she takes everything in stride as if she has already done it for years. I hooked her and off we went. Literally. Sort of. Training Bug has always been easy. But I had some great people in life that have taught me the proper steps to take for the safety of the animal and the human.  I have always said that it was as if there was a little fairy that would explain to Bug at night what we were learning the next day. Bug understood this fairy and then just did what I asked. At only 3 years old and 6 months in a cart, off we went to Mid Atlantic Regional Drive. She was superb traveling to Maryland and spending 3 whole days driving at Fair Hill's 200 miles of trails. No, we did not do all 200 miles, but we did do a lot. 

The following year I wanted to start showing in some Combined Driving event. With the covid lockdown, it was a tad hard to find any events happening. We happened upon a great group in NY, that spite the regulations, still had some non-official events (what outlaws we were). This was a great opportunity for both Bug and I to dabble our toes into combined driving at a fun level with no pressure. It was an equestrian sport that I have not participated in before. My journey with Bug has been new for the both of us and she has been a great teacher. 

Since that first year out, Bug and I have done some fun trail drives, combined driving events, lots of clinics and been having a blast just playing. This small but mighty creature has blessed my life and forever changed it. My 8-year adventure with Bug has been one of the best.

Check out her Instagram and Facebook page to 

keep up to date with the Adventures of Bug. 

 Beth Ann Berwanger (@adventures_of_bug_) • Instagram photos and videos