mare in foal?

Question
Friends at the barn recently purchased four haflinger ponies. One of the mares has gained a considerable amount of weight in the past month and a half, even though she is on the same feed schedule as the other three. Needless to say, we are all wondering.... and hoping! if she is pregnant. The owners did put a call into the man that the mare was purchased from, and he said he "didn't think she was pregnant, but could not be sure that one of "the boys" didn't get to her". Is there anything that we can do to determine pregnancy before giving the vet a call? .... would a human pregnancy test work? I've heard yes and no to that question. I do plan on taking a better look t her on Monday when I return to the barn. I plan on checking her teats, and watching for movment in her stomach. Any info you can give would be helpful, Thanks Donna

Answer
Hi Donna - How exciting about these four new ponies ... Haflingers are so cool!  I honestly  have never heard of anyone using a human pregnancy test on a horse.  That would be an interesting experiment I suppose.  The only way to confirm pregnancy in this pony would be to have the vet do thorough exam that may include an ultrasound on her.  If she is then I hope you all are able to watch the foaling process and then enjoy having a new baby to play with :)

Thank you!