Seven, the premature foal who captured hearts nationwide with his fight for life, has sadly passed away. Born seven weeks early in February 2024, he was the seventh foal of his mother and owner, Katie Van Slyke.
Despite knowing his time might be short, Katie hoped for many more happy days with Seven. Unfortunately, extreme heat last week proved too much. Signs of colic led to the difficult decision, made with Tennessee vet experts, to humanely end his suffering.
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The University of Tennessee veterinary center helped Seven beat the odds, supporting him through surgeries and therapy. They marked him with a “Power T” in tribute when he passed.
Seven’s early birth left his bones underdeveloped, but his fighting spirit shone through throughout a challenging year. Katie regularly shared his progress on social media, gaining thousands of followers rooting for him.
He was more than a foal—he was a symbol of determination and hope. In honor of his memory, the “Seven Scholarship” awards funds yearly to veterinary students and the university.
Katie expressed profound gratitude to his care team and supporters. Seven’s story touched many and will continue to inspire.
