Beloved Premature Foal ‘Seven’ Passes Away After Inspiring Many
Animal lovers across the country are mourning the loss of Seven, the miracle foal who captured thousands of hearts with his courageous fight for life. Born seven weeks early in February 2024, Seven was the seventh foal of his mother and owner, Katie Van Slyke. Against all odds, he survived more than a year—far longer than anyone expected.
Katie shared her deep sorrow, saying they hoped for many more days of watching Seven graze, hearing his cheerful whinny, and enjoying evenings feeding him his favorite banana treats. But last week’s intense heat became too much for little Seven, whose health had been fragile from the start.
View this post on Instagram
When he began showing colic symptoms, Katie and the veterinary team at the University of Tennessee Center for Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM) made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize him humanely. The veterinarians had helped Seven thrive despite slim odds, even marking him with a big “Power T” before saying farewell.
UTCVM expressed their heartbreak and gratitude for having shared in Seven’s remarkable journey. His resilience and spirit left a profound impact on the faculty, staff, and students involved in his care.
Born at only 286 days’ gestation, Seven’s bones were mostly cartilage. He endured surgeries, braces, casts, and countless physical therapy sessions, never giving up. Katie often posted updates on TikTok, where thousands cheered on every milestone.
“Anyone who met Seven knew how fiercely he wanted to live. Though he wasn’t a ‘normal horse,’ his determined spirit inspired us all,” Katie said.
Seven’s legacy continues through the “Seven Scholarship,” created earlier this year to award $7,000 annually to seven third-year equine veterinary students and $7,000 to UTCVM, honoring his incredible spirit.
Katie thanked everyone at Tennessee Equine Hospital and UTCVM for giving Seven a chance. For those who followed his story, his passing is more than an end—it’s a reminder of courage, love, and devotion.
Though gone, Seven’s spirit will always live on.
