Animal lovers across the nation are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Seven, a premature foal whose inspiring fight for life moved thousands and left a legacy that will never be forgotten.
Born seven weeks early in February 2024, Seven was a true miracle. He was his mother’s seventh foal and the seventh of the year for his owner, equestrian influencer Katie Van Slyke. At just 286 days of gestation — far below the average viability point for horses — his survival was considered almost impossible. But Seven, against all odds, lived for over a year, stealing hearts with every step of his remarkable journey.
“Though we always knew our time with him was limited, we still held onto hope for more sunny afternoons watching him graze, more mornings greeted by his cheerful whinny, more evenings spent giving him his favorite banana snack,” Van Slyke shared in a heartfelt tribute. “We had just hoped for more.”
That hope came to a devastating end during a recent heatwave. While even healthy horses struggled with the extreme temperatures, Seven’s fragile system could not cope. After showing signs of colic — a painful and often dangerous condition in horses — and despite the best efforts of Van Slyke and the veterinary team at the University of Tennessee Center for Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), the difficult decision was made to humanely euthanize him.
“His fight was never in vain,” Van Slyke said. “He lived with purpose and inspired more people than we’ll ever know.”
The UTCVM team, who had been by Seven’s side from his earliest days, honored him with a touching gesture before saying goodbye — shaving a Tennessee “Power T” into his coat. In a public statement, the university paid tribute to the colt’s enduring spirit.
“We mourn alongside Baby Seven’s family,” UTCVM said. “His strength, will to live, and impact on our students, faculty, and the greater community were nothing short of extraordinary. His journey brought people together and reminded us all of the power of compassion, perseverance, and hope.”
Seven's story wasn’t just one of survival — it was a testament to love and relentless care. Born with underdeveloped bones made mostly of cartilage, Seven endured surgeries, leg braces, and daily therapy. He was constantly supported by medical experts and a devoted owner determined to give him the chance he deserved.
Throughout it all, Van Slyke shared Seven’s life online, particularly on TikTok, where a growing community followed his progress, celebrated every milestone, and rooted for the tiny foal with the heart of a warrior.
“Everyone who met Seven, whether in person or through a screen, could feel the light he carried,” Van Slyke reflected. “He wanted to live. He fought to live. He wasn’t a normal horse — but no one ever stopped fighting to help him try.”
Seven’s legacy will live on not only in the memories of those he inspired but also through a powerful tribute: the Seven Scholarship. Launched earlier this year, it grants $7,000 each to seven third-year equine veterinary students, along with $7,000 to UTCVM annually — a total of $49,000 every year in Seven’s honor.
For Van Slyke, for the dedicated teams at Tennessee Equine Hospital and UTCVM, and for thousands of followers across the world, Seven’s journey was more than a miracle. It was a lesson in courage, resilience, and the purest form of love.
“He may not have had the longest life, but he had one filled with meaning,” Van Slyke said. “And in his short time here, he changed the world for the better.”
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