By Beacon Staff
It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a ... mini horse?
For almost five years, students lucky enough to spot it have derived pleasure from surprise visits from Ladybug, a 12 year-old Shetland pony.
Shetland ponies, which hail from the Shetland Islands, are well-known for the fact that they are the smallest breed of horses.
These ponies are not only recognized by their small stature, but also by their long, shaggy coats and gentle dispositions.
"It's definitely a lot cuter than a full-size horse," senior Jordan Hutchison said.
Ladybug lives near the campus with her owners, Luther and Lynn-Marie Kara Sturtevant. Often, the Sturtevants will give Ladybug exercise by walking her around UP. If Ladybug is feeling extra boisterous, they will even have her pull their grandchildren through the campus in a cart.
Ladybug was born in Hood River and came to live with the Sturtevants in 2005. To keep her healthy, the Sturtevants have her on a low-carb diet.
According to Luther, who has lived in St. John's for the past 20 years, Ladybug gets along well with his three other pets. But her best friend is their dog, Otis.
Luther also admits that he has to be aware of his surroundings when he is walking Ladybug around UP because she has a fear of skateboards and shopping carts.
"Ladybug adds class to the campus and makes my walks between classes interesting," junior Mike Bastasch said. "She should be our mascot. Let's put a Pilot's hat on her and call it a day."
