my shetland horse

Question
hi, i recently took in a horse from a friend, she was found roaming. i know shetlands are naturally low-bellied. i was wondering what the signs of pregnancy would be. She gets irritable and tries to get away when i brush near her belly, particurally on her right side. also, she eats maybe 3 or more pounds of food (not counting hay and foliage). i will be handling her, and she will randomly run off. Also, she whips her tail constantly. i dont know if she may be pregnant, in heat, or just a horse in need of training?Help!

Answer
Hi- To me she sounds like she needs some training. Some horses dont like people on their right side at all- They are left handed horses, beacuse they are taught to mount from the left side. As far as swiching her tail- horses do that naturally, and her being irritable-she could be in heat. You can check her udder to see if it is filling up-or beside the base of her tail to feel if it is sunk in or "hollow"- She may be pregnant. I would let a vet take a look at her to find out for sure. Good luck with your shetland !!! She should make a nice mare with more hands on. They are sweet ponies. Heather