A remarkable foal named Seven, born seven weeks early and against every expectation, has sadly passed away, his owner Katie Van Slyke announced.
A Miracle Birth
Seven was born in February 2024 at just 286 days gestation — several weeks before horses are considered viable. His bones were still mostly cartilage, and his chances of survival were slim. But Seven, named for a string of “sevens” (his mother’s seventh foal, Van Slyke’s seventh foal of the year, and born in the seventh month when transferred to the University of Tennessee), quickly earned a reputation as a fighter.
Through multiple surgeries, braces, casts, and intensive physical therapy, Seven lived not just days but over a year, amazing veterinarians and horse lovers around the world.
Saying Goodbye
Van Slyke shared that the recent high summer temperatures took a toll on even healthy horses, and Seven began showing signs of colic. With the support of the University of Tennessee Center for Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), the painful decision was made to humanely euthanize him.
“We had hoped for more sunny days of watching him graze in the pasture… more mornings being greeted by his cheerful whinny… more evenings feeding him his favorite banana treat. We had just hoped for more,” Van Slyke said.
UTCVM also honored his journey:
“His story was remarkable, not only for his resilience and spirit but for the profound impact he had on our faculty, staff, and students. We are touched by the support and outpouring of love throughout his journey.”
Legacy of Seven
Seven’s fight for life has already inspired the next generation of equine veterinarians. In his honor, the Seven Scholarship was launched in 2024, awarding $7,000 each to seven third-year equine vet students at UTCVM every year — a $49,000 annual legacy.
Van Slyke, who documented Seven’s life and recovery on TikTok from her Running Springs Farm in Tennessee, expressed gratitude to everyone who fought alongside him:
“He WANTED life. He FOUGHT for life. He was a joy. And while he wasn’t able to be a ‘normal horse,’ no one can say we didn’t fight to give him that chance.”
A Foal That Touched Thousands
Though Seven’s time was short, his story touched thousands of people around the world. His survival against all odds, his determination, and his gentle spirit leave behind a powerful reminder of resilience, hope, and the bond between humans and animals.
Leave a Reply